Preview: Napoli vs. Udinese

Napoli will be hoping to maintain the pressure on Roma when they host Udinese on Sunday afternoon.

Boss Rafael Benitez has guided his team to 15 points from a possible 18 to close the gap on second place to four points after Roma could only record eight points over the same period.

Gli Azzurri have also opened up a significant gap between themselves and fourth spot, while the club's impressive form continued with their Coppa Italia triumph over Inter Milan in midweek.

That game saw striker Gonzalo Higuain net his eighth goal in as many games, and he is expected to lead the same starting lineup that featured at Chievo last weekend.

After failing to win in six fixtures, Udinese have returned to form with four points from their last two outings, including an impressive goalless draw with leaders Juventus.

The Bianconeri had begun the season challenging for a European spot, but after managing to shut out Juventus last weekend, they should have the belief to pull off another surprise result at Stadio San Paolo.

Coach Andrea Stramaccioni is likely to retain the same starting lineup, meaning that striker Antonio Di Natale will keep his place in the side despite reports regarding his future at the club.

The visitors will take confidence from their 2-2 draw with Napoli in the Coppa Italia just two weeks ago, before they eventually succumbed on penalties.

Napoli:

Form in Serie A: WWLWWW Form in all competitions: LWDWWW

Possible starting lineup: Rafael, Albiol, Britos, Strinic, De Guzman, Maggio, David Lopez, Jorginho, Higuain, Mertens, Gabbiadini

Udinese:

Form in Serie A: DLDDWD Form in all competitions: LDDLWD

Possible starting lineup: Karnezis, Danilo, Heurtaux, Piris, Widmer, Guilherme, Allan, Gabriel Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Di Natale, Thereau

Sports Mole says: 3-1