Jose Mourinho believes he has turned Inter Milan into a more popular team and wants them to continue that transformation at Napoli.

The defending champions extended their lead at the top of the Serie A standings to nine points in midweek despite being held to a 1-1 draw at 10-man Parma.

Mourinho did not appear too worried about Wednesday's two dropped points as he prepared his troops to try to extend their unbeaten run to nine league games on Sunday.

"Every game is difficult and to draw on the road is no disaster," said the Portuguese.

"I am satisfied with my team's performance.

"Parma deserved a point and we have to look at the positives.

"We extended our gap with Roma and AC Milan."

Asked at a 'fan chat' this week as to whether Inter had become a much more solid side since the summer departure of Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Barcelona, Mourinho said on the Inter Channel: "Yes, it's partly true.

"Inter had a more defensive mentality when I arrived. It had up front a player who was used to resolving the team's attacking problems by himself.

"It wasn't a team that played great football, but the team now is close to a model that everybody likes, with many players who participate in the team's play without losing a certain compactness and mentality.

"A coach always prefers his team to reach objectives by playing as a team."

Mourinho heads to Naples without the services of defensive trio Dejan Stankovic, Marco Materazzi and Cristian Chivu due to injuries but welcomes back key midfielder Wesley Sneijder from suspension.

Napoli will be boosted by the return of Argentinian striker Ezequiel Lavezzi, who looks set to be included in Walter Mazzarri's starting line-up after overcoming a muscular injury.

The hosts will be without wing-back Christian Maggio, however, as he serves a suspension.

The Partenopei go into the encounter looking to bounce back from last weekend's 3-1 loss at Udinese which ended their run of 15 matches unbeaten.

Mazzarri's men will have an added motivation to win tomorrow, knowing that a defeat could see them relinquish the final Champions League spot they currently occupy to Palermo or Sampdoria.

Napoli head into the weekend one point clear of fifth-placed Palermo and two points above Samp in sixth.

Defensive midfielder Walter Gargano expects his side to have their work cut out to keep Inter at bay but is hopeful the hosts can spring a surprise.

"Inter are an extraordinary team, with champions in every department," the 25-year-old Uruguay international told www.sscnapoli.it.

"(But) we also have our weapons. They are very strong but in football no team is unbeatable.

"I hope it is a great match and an evening of good football.

"We're up against a great team. They're doing very well and all set to win the championship.

"We'll have to be together as a team, be well balanced and not allow them space. We must be on guard up to the 95th minute."