Palermo vs Napoli preview - Napoli search for strong start

Napoli will be looking to improve on their fifth place in Serie A when they start the new season with an opening match at Palermo.

Walter Mazzarri's side approach their first match of the season having loaned Walter Gargano to Inter Milan with a view to the move becoming permanent at the end of the campaign.

However, defender Paolo Cannavaro - while sorry the Argentinian had left - insisted the team have not lost any of their strength.

He told Radio Marte: "Of course I am sorry that Walter does not play with us any more.

"He was a very important player for five years. He grew up in this group, but now he has made a choice."

However, the 31-year-old added: "I do not see a team much stronger than another, but various competitive teams.

"Our strength is the compactness. I've never played in a team that is more solid than this Napoli.

"Our fans say that we will give up only at the last second.

"We had a very intense preparation and we are committed so much because we want to make a strong impression from the beginning.

"Mazzarri is more motivated than when he arrived four years ago and for us this is a very strong stimulus."

Of their first game being in Palermo, Cannavaro added: "Wearers of this shirt knows they have to give their best. Playing with Napoli is special and all those who are here are happy and motivated to win something important."

Palermo will have new defender Steve Von Bergen on display, the Swiss having joined from Genoa.

He said: "I'm ready to play. I trained with Genoa in July and did not miss a day of work, physically I am in place."

"I did not think that Genoa could sell me, I signed up for three years, but luckily it's Palermo that has higher ambitions. I only stand to gain."