Napoli travel to the Stadio Citta del Tricolore to take on Sassuolo on Sunday in a match that could have a major say on the future of manager Rafael Benitez.

The Spaniard insists that he does not fear the sack, but defeat against one of the league's smallest clubs would provide yet more ammo for those who want him out of Naples.

The growing discontent is born out of a slow start to the Serie A season, with Napoli picking up just one win and four points from their opening four matches.

Back-to-back 1-0 defeats to Chievo and Udinese respectively were followed up by a 3-3 draw at home to Palermo on Wednesday, leaving the club without a win since the opening day.

Failure to reach the Champions League group stages has also contributed to a hugely disappointing start to the campaign, but Saturday's match should provide the perfect opportunity for Benitez to pick up three much-needed points.

Sassuolo were on the wrong end of a 7-0 drubbing at the hands of Inter Milan just a fortnight ago and, although things have slightly improved since then with consecutive goalless draws, they are still awaiting their first win of the season.

They have also scored just once in the current campaign, with that coming on the opening day to earn a draw against fellow strugglers Cagliari.

Simone Zaza was absent from the midweek draw with Fiorentina due to an injury concern, but he should be fit enough to play this weekend and could be joined in the starting lineup by Saphir Taider.

There will be no Gianluca Pegolo or Thomas Manfredini for the hosts due to injury, however, while Domenico Berardi is suspended for the match.

As for Napoli, they are missing Giandomenico Mesto and potentially Jorginho through injury, but Gonzalo Higuain should return to the starting lineup.

Recent form

Sassuolo: DDLDW

Napoli: DLWLWL

Possible starting lineups

Sassuolo: Consigli; Vrsaljko, Antei, Ariaudo, Peluso; Biondini, Magnanelli, Taider; Sansone, Zaza, Flores

Napoli: Cabral; Maggio, Koulibaly, Albiol, Zuniga; Gargano, Inler, Callejon, Hamsik, Mertens; Higuain

Sports Mole says: 1-3

Previews by email