Mazzarri: Napoli prioritising Serie A over Europa League

21-Feb-2013 5:09:00 AM

The Partenopei could play a weakened side in Europe as they bid to make a concerted push for domestic success

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has admitted he will rotate some of his star names for the Europa League second leg tie with Viktoria Plzen on Thursday, even though they are tasked with overcoming a 3-0 deficit.

Pride is at stake after the embarrassing first-leg loss, but the Partenopei boss insists domestic success remains his side's priority.

“Will I be rotating the squad? Even if we were playing Barcelona in the Champions League, decisions must take into consideration a Serie A game to be played three days later," the 51-year-old told reporters.

Napoli trail Juventus by just four points, and have a genuine chance of winning their first Scudetto for 20 years and only the third in their history.

Mazzarri spoke last week of his ambition to make an impact in Europe, but having been left with a mountain to climb, he has now been forced into a drastic rethink.

“We honour every game [but] in the first leg we suffered real damage," he added.

“I must compliment Viktoria and their coach as this team plays good football."

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