FOCUS ON SERIE A

Napoli old-boy Fabio Cannavaro insists that the club should enjoy the Champions League games as a bit of fun, and concentrate on doing well in Serie A.

Its the first season in Napoli's history that they have competed in the Champions League, and the pressure is clearly taking its toll. Whilst coach Mazzari has tried to shuffle his team around after the intense European nights, the Partenopei have nearly always struggled to get results in the game that follows.

Cannavaro says that europe takes a lot out of players, and that Napoli would be better placed to focus on doing well in the Scudetto to ensure they are in the Champions League next year, when they should also have a bigger squad.

Speaking to Italian radio, Fabo said “It’s a great Napoli side that is fighting for the league at the moment, and when they are on form they are one of the most exciting teams around! The ‘problem’ with Napoli, if we can really call it a problem, is with the Champions League. playing in it robs you of all your energy, both physical and psychological, so we were bound to suffer in our first season."

“The Champions League is a great adventure, but if they put their minds to it, Napoli could win the Scudetto this season.”