The Italians tackle the English Premier League leaders in Champions League Group A at the San Paolo stadium here on Tuesday.
It's a crucial clash in the bid to secure qualification alongside Bayern Munich, who will book their place in the knock-out rounds unless they lose at home to Villarreal and Napoli win.
But while Mancini has splashed out hundreds of millions of euros on players to build his side, Mazzarri has had to be more creative.
"If only as a coach I could have that availability to the transfer market," said Mazzarri.
"Then our progress would be quicker but I want to be clear that our philosophy is different.
"When the draw came out I thought it would be impossible arriving at the fifth group game still in with a good chance of qualification.
"That means we've done something amazing, anything more would be gold."
Although Mazzarri readily accepts his side are underdogs, they did draw 1-1 in Manchester earlier in the group and the Italians' coach believes they have every chance of beating their mega-rich rivals.
"We're not making any calculations but we must interpret the game in the best way," he said.
"That doesn't mean that to attack and to win we have to unbalance ourselves as has happened sometimes in the past.
"We're playing Manchester with the knowledge that in the first match, especially in the second half, we played a great match against top drawer opposition.
"We have to refer to that second half and do even more because we know that we're playing a team with world class players.
"We have the advantage that we've already played them, although they have improved in terms of results.
"They're going through a particularly positive spell but we know what to do and I think if we pay attention to everything we can hurt a team like Manchester.
"I think it's amazing that we've arrived at this game in the position we're in, we've succeeded and already that means we've reached an objective."
Napoli trail City by two points in the group with two games left.
If they lose they will be out while a draw would mean they would have to win their final group game away to Villarreal and hope Bayern do them a favour against City.
Even a win would still mean they may need to beat Villarreal but Mazzarri would be content even with dropping down into the Europa League by finishing third in the group.
"As long as we don't lose there will still be another match and the possibility of going through to the next round," said Mazzarri.
"And even if things go badly and we drop into the Europa League our European adventure won't have come to an end.
"However, our pride says that we must go as far as possible."
Source: AFP
Source: AFP