Juventus and Napoli showdown will not decide the Scudetto, claims Ancelotti

The Paris Saint-Germain coach has given his views on the high-profile Serie A fixture, suggesting that the Bianconeri still hold the upper hand over their southern rivals

Former Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti does not believe that Saturday's big clash between Napoli and Juventus will determine this season's Scudetto winner.

The current Italian champions are once again leading the way on the peninsula, however, Napoli are following closely and are considered by many as a genuine challenge for this year's league title.

Ancelotti, who coached Juventus around the turn of the milennium, has asserted that his former side are the slightly better team and may just get the better of the Partenopei when the two meet on Saturday.

"I think Juventus will win. But, Napoli are an organised team with great individuality. Though, this game will not decide anything in terms of the title race," Ancelotti was quoted saying by Corriere del Mezzogiorno. 

"These are the games that give players added motivation. I do not believe fatigue will play a part. Juventus and Napoli are at the top not by chance. They have shown how strong they are, they have character and great organisation. I am expecting a very good game.

"Who of the two is the favourite? Maybe Juve. Playing in front of their fans means they will play with a twelfth man. Technically, however, the teams are equal. They were even in the Supercoppa Italiana played in August in China. Only mistakes and certain events could separate them then."

Ancelotti then spoke about Ezequiel Lavezzi who signed for Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli over the summer but has since failed to sparkle in Paris.

"Lavezzi? A player who has done great things. When there was an opportunity to sign him, we took it. We did not want to miss the chance," he continued.

"At the beginning of the season he was a bit unlucky, first with suspensions and then with injuries. He has not been able to play at his best, as a result. But, he will recover."

The much-travelled Italian tactican then warned Juventus about the threat of Edison Cavani and suggested that their Champions League's commitments may be a problem in their bid for back-to-back Serie A titles.

"Cavani? He is an extraordinary player with enormous quality and he scores lots of goals. Napoli, however, are not just about him. They are very well organised and play great football. Though, Juventus must mind the threat of Cavani. Games are won with individuality sometimes," he added.

"There is still a long way to go in the Italian league, which is the most beautiful and the most unpredictable league. The team that wins this game will gain in many ways, aside from the three points. But, it will not determine this season's champions."

"Juventus' Champions League participation could distract them from the title race. The Champions League can take away energy and cause you to drop points, domestically. However, not now but more so when the knockout stages begin in March."