Cavani: I'm similar to Balotelli

Posted Wednesday, November 16, 2011 by ESPN

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani believes he fulfils the same role at his club Napoli as Mario Balotelli does at Manchester City.

Cavani and Balotelli will share the pitch when Italy meet Uruguay in a friendly on Tuesday night.

Both strikers have been in terrific form, with Balotelli netting five times in seven Premier League appearance and Cavani finding the back of the net four times in eight Serie A games.

Speaking to Sky Sports Italia ahead of Tuesday's game, Cavani said: "Italy have many great players in their team. I think Andrea Pirlo makes the difference, while I am similar to Balotelli.

"We are modern strikers and I think Italian football is similar to English football.

"Roberto Mancini asks of Balotelli what I am asked to do at Napoli."

The Serie A targetman is looking forward to the game.

"Uruguay are different to Italy, but both teams have world-class players and I am sure it will be a great game," he said.

Cavani was a coveted target for big clubs across Europe in the summer, but decided to extend his stay at rejuvenated Napoli to help them challenge for the Scudetto.