Catania vs Napoli preview - Cavani keeping feet on the ground

Posted Sunday, September 23, 2012 by PA

The early momentum in Serie A may well be with Napoli, but striker Edinson Cavani is happy to take each game as it comes, continuing with Sunday's trip to Catania.

The Partenopei had scored eight goals in three comprehensive league victories before sweeping AIK Solna aside 4-0 in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Perhaps against his wishes, free-scoring Cavani was afforded a rest against the Swedes, with Eduardo Vargas gladly using the opportunity to hit a fine hat-trick.

But in a campaign where Walter Mazzarri's men are expected to push for the title, the Uruguayan is remaining grounded.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "We take each Sunday as it comes. Compared to last season we are more restrained. We have started the season very well and we have to continue this way.

"I didn't get to play (on Thursday) but I have to respect the manager's choices. I watched the whole game and was happy with the victory.

"Mazzarri showing confidence in me has been essential. I've become who I am today thanks to the club's belief in me.

"The coach has created the conditions for me to be able to play at my best.

"I won the title with Danubio, it was fantastic but I was young. I did not have the responsibility that I have at Napoli.

"I'm not sure if we can win it but we have certainly showed that we are prepared to fight. But we haven't won anything yet and now we're just thinking about Catania."

Catania head coach Rolando Maran has guided the Sicilians to a win and a draw from three games so far but club owner Antonino Pulvirenti insists Napoli are clear favourites.

He told Radio Kiss Kiss: "Do we fear Napoli? Yes, of course we fear them. It is a strong team, as they've shown in recent years."

Defender Giovanni Marchese scored his first Serie A goal in this fixture last year, Catania going on to claim a 2-1 victory.

The 27-year-old told www.ilcalciocatania.it: "I have wonderful memories of that game. It was an intense joy that I want to feel again on Sunday."