Mazzarri confident of winning without Cavani

Posted Sunday, April 28, 2013 by Foxsports.com

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri admitted that it was difficult to unlock Pescara without star man Edinson Cavani but he was confident his men could complete the job.

The Uruguayan had to miss the game following a one-match suspension but it was expected to be a routine outing against basement dwellers Pescara on Saturday night.

The Partenopei did have to wait for their first goal, however, as home goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli had a superb first half as he made saves from the likes of Lorenzo Insigne, Blerim Dzemaili and Marek Hamsik.

At the start of the second half, Gokhan Inler's deflected shot wound its way into the net and, with the Pescara defence breached, the Neapolitans surged in confidence. Two further goals by Goran Pandev and Dzemaili ensured a comfortable 3-0 win for Napoli who have all but confirmed a second-place finish with a ten-point advantage over nearest rivals AC Milan.

Mazzarri admitted, though, that his side were nervous in attack without their talisman but refuted suggestions that his side lack confidence in such scenarios.

"Cavani is certainly not a bad striker so it's normal we missed him, but I was still sure we would be able to do well without him. We are not dependant on Cavani, and I know what the rest can give," he told reporters after the game.

"Tonight [Saturday] we took an important step towards the Champions League. We knew it would be a tough game.

"I liked the attitude of my players. We struggled to get past Ivan Pelizzoli which made my men anxious, but the first goal was fundamental to unlocking Pescara."

Nevertheless, it's only a matter of time until Juventus, who themselves have a eigh-point lead over Napoli with a game in hand, wrap up the Scudetto. However, the 51-year-old insisted that securing direct qualification to the Champions League was just as important for a Napoli side that was sixth just three years ago.

"We recovered after a brief decline. Do not forget that we did better than last season. Winning direct qualification to the Champions League is equivalent to the Scudetto for us," he continued.

The Italian coach's future is in doubt as he has yet to be offered a contract extension with his current tenure set to expire in June. However, he maintained that such concerns were at the back of his mind and he just wants to concentrate on finishing the season on a high.

"I will talk about my future at the end of the season.

"I'm reluctant to talk about next season, but I know the team can play at the same level across domestic and European competition."
Napoli last won the Serie A in 1990 and were spearheaded back then by an equally influential South American in Diego Maradona.

It is believed that Napoli will have to face several big-money bids for Cavani over the summer transfer window with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City and Arsenal said to be in the frame for the Uruguayan's signing.