Napoli vs. Inter: Keys Issues and Decisions in Coppa Italia Match

Napoli find themselves in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia against Inter on Wednesday.

It took a penalty shootout to dispatch Udinese in the last round, as the Partenopei won 7-6. Rafael Benitez’s men then bettered Chievo 2-1 over the weekend and arrive at this fixture on a four-match unbeaten streak.

Napoli have won this competition twice in the last three seasons and will hope to pull off another cup victory. Captain Marek Hamsik spoke to RAI (h/t Football Italia) of his eagerness to retain the Coppa Italia:

"

It would be nice to win the Coppa again.

We want to go through. I’m expecting a tough match, Inter are a great team and will want to bounce back after their struggles.

We’re doing the same things in training, we go forward, hoping to continue to get positive results.

"

Benitez was brought in for his expertise in winning cup competitions, so the Partenopei will hope his experience helps them get the better of the Nerazzurri.

Here is a look at the key issues and decisions that will likely shape this match.

Can Napoli Win Their 5th Consecutive Match?

Felice Calabro'/Associated Press

Napoli have started 2015 with a bang, winning five of their last six. The squad regrouped during the break and have come out ready and focused for the second half of the season. They’re now just four points behind second-place Roma and feel they could better them over the course of the next few months.

This optimism comes in stark contrast to a beginning of the campaign that saw them lose two of their first three league matches. Benitez spoke in his press conference admitted to his club's newfound prosperity but insists nothing has changed:

"

As far as what we do, we’ve changed almost nothing [since the start of the season].

We’ve always worked from the same basic ideas.

We’ve dropped some points along the way, but we can’t change what has happened, we have to look at what will happen in the future. We have to win, not talk.

The lads are working well, and we’re getting results, but Inter are a very strong team and we need to concentrate.

"

If the Partenopei get past Inter, they could be on their way to winning six in a row when they host Udinese this weekend.

How Will Inter Respond After Their Loss to Sassuolo?

Marco Vasini/Associated Press

For as much optimism Roberto Mancini brought with his return to the Nerazzurri, the club’s results tell a different story: just two wins from their last five. The 50-year-old has had to remodel the squad to his liking after taking over from Walter Mazzarri.

A promising January transfer window brought in the likes of Xherdan Shaqiri, Lukas Podolski and Marcelo Brozovic—quality players to help Inter push for Europlean places. It’s true that it will take time for Mancini’s side to jell, but the type of performances displayed haven’t been convincing.

The Nerazzurri were thoroughly outplayed by Sassuolo last weekend, losing 3-1. That defeat spiraled a furious reaction with Inter’s away support, and heated words were shared between Mauro Icardi and fans.

The Nerazzurri will need to shake off the loss quickly in order to turn their season around, and changes will be made.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Mancini forecast his substitutions:

"

[David] Santon is fine, he needs to train.

He won’t play 90 minutes tomorrow, but he’ll feature during the game.

[Marcelo] Brozovic from the start? Probably.

We’re playing after three days, then there’s another one in four days so there will be changes.

"

Expect a charged Inter side for his one.

Will Rafael Benitez Rotate His Squad?

Felice Calabro'/Associated Press

Benitez is known for his heavy rotation policy in order to ensure rested players for crucial matches. But as his Napoli side enter into the quarterfinals against Inter, will Rafa feel the need to change much of his starting XI?

Looking ahead to the Partenopei’s weekend contest against 12th-placed Udinese, you’d argue against it. After all, Inter will most likely be fielding a strong lineup in order to get their season back on track. It’d seem foolish for Benitez to take this match lightly.

The only change Rafa might carry out would be to use backup goalkeeper Mariano Andujar for Rafael to allow the former some playing time.