Preview: Napoli vs. Sampdoria

Napoli will be looking to start the New Year with a positive result when they welcome Sampdoria to the Stadio San Paolo in Naples on Monday.

Rafael Benitez's side will head into the contest placed third in Serie A with 36 points from 17 matches, 10 points behind leaders Juventus.

The Azzurri have been rather inconsistent this season, finishing 2013 with a disappointing 1-1 draw with Cagliari away from home in the league.

Meanwhile, visiting Sampdoria currently find themselves just four points above the relegation zone in 14th, but under coach Sinisa Mihajlovic the team have showed improvements last month.

The Genoa outfit climbed out of the bottom three in December and will be keen to stage an upset in Naples to start 2014 on a bright note.

There are no injury worries for either side.

Recent form

Napoli: LWDWWD

Sampdoria: DDWWWD

Possible starting lineups

Napoli: Rafael; Maggio, Albiol, Fernandez, Reveillere; Inler, Dzemaili; Callejon, Pandev, Mertens, Higuain

Sampdoria: Da Costa; De Silvestri, Mustafi, Gastaldello, Costa; Palombo, Renan; Gabbiadini, Krsticic, Eder; Pozzi

Sports Mole says: 2-1