ESPNsoccernet: UEFA Europa League

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has conceded his side's chances of progressing to the last-16 of the Europa League are slim, confirming he will rest a number of players for Thursday's second leg against Viktoria Plzen.

Walter Mazzarri's intentions for the Europa League are clear after confirming he will rest a number of players (GettyImages)

The Partenopei must overcome a 3-0 first-leg deficit to keep their European hopes alive, but that looks unlikely with Mazzarri having sent a weakened side to the Czech Republic.

Midfielder Marek Hamsik did not travel with his Napoli team-mates due to illness and Mazzarri has no reservations in prioritising the Serie A over the Europa League.

"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," he said.

"We honour every game [but] in the first leg we suffered real damage. I must compliment Viktoria and their coach as this team plays good football."