When you first fight him, before he has hands, just keep on the move. His projectiles are too slow to hit you if you just keep running in the same direction. Once he throws out some black rocks, grab the ghosts and give him a bash. It's when he has hands that things get tricky. You can approach this in a couple of ways:
1. Work on his hands first before taking out the head. This strategy is probably easier, although it takes a bit longer. Just do what you did before, only watch the ground for the shadow that gives away the spikes. Once he drops some black rocks, take out his hands then go after the head.
2. Use the pointer. What you do here is to close in. Whenever he tries to gather rocks, shoot them first with some starbits. Keep an eye out for his fists and for his spike attack, both of which are telegraphed if you look closely. Once shoot a black rock, if you're next to him you shuld be in the perfect position to nail the head.
Also, don't watch your health bar. If you keep worrying about getting hit, you're not worrying about dodging or hitting him back, and that'll get you killed. Just stayed focused and teach what a pudgy Italian plumber is really capable of.












