MX23RW : Wednesday, January 1 19:04:19| >> :60:1286:1286:

Walter Mazzarri: 'Napoli are not favourites'

Mazzarri: 'Napoli are not favourites'
© PA Photos
Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri claims that his side are not favourites going into their Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has insisted that his side are not favourites for the Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea.

Tuesday's first leg at the Stadio San Paolo is considered to be a defining match for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas in what is turning out to be a difficult first season in England.

"Even if there were problems, all it takes to reassemble a group is one match," said Mazzarri. "Every player wants to do well in Europe. Champions and great players can make the difference at this level.

"I do not agree that Napoli are favourites. Chelsea want to do well in the Champions League and they have players who are accustomed to matches like these. It will be a terrible test; in order to pass it we must do something extraordinary."

Mazzarri has been banned from the touchline for both legs of the tie after pushing an opposition player during a match in December.

ID:17154: cacheID:17154:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1645:
Written by
Jack Prescott
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Andre Villas-Boas
Read Next:
Villas-Boas looking for European boost
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
3Arsenal18106235161936
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford187383232024
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!