Preview: Napoli vs. Parma

If recent reports are to be believed, Rafael Benitez is just a bad result or two away from losing his position as the head coach of Napoli.

A run of three successive draws against Cagliari, Sampdoria and Empoli was followed at the weekend by a 2-0 defeat at the hands of AC Milan, which has left Benitez's men seventh in Serie A and some 12 points adrift of leaders Juventus.

Consequently, Benitez will be well aware that he is in need of a positive outcome from Thursday evening's home clash against Parma.

However, the Partenopei have struggled for form in front of their own supporters, having won just three of their seven encounters at the Stadio San Paolo.

In terms of team selection, Benitez could recall Slovakian playmaker Marek Hamsik, who started the defeat to Milan last time out, among the substitutes. Swiss midfielder Gokhan Inler is also in contention to feature, with Gonzalo Higuain expected to lead the attack.

As for visiting Parma, Napoli face a side that is rooted to the bottom of the table, with only two wins all campaign.

Up front, leading goalscorer Antonio Cassano, who has scored five goals, should start.

Napoli:

Form in Serie A: WWDDDL Form in all competitions: DDDDWL

Possible starting lineup: Rafael; Ghoulam, Albiol, Koulibaly, Mesto; De Guzman, Inler; Mertens, Hamsik, Callejon; Higuain

Parma:

Form in Serie A: WLLLLD Form in all competitions: WLLLLD

Possible starting lineup: Mirante; Lucarelli, Santacroce, Costa; De Ciglie, Rispoli, Galloppa, Lodi, Mauri; Cassano, Palladino

Sports Mole says: 2-0