Napoli will persist for title, says Pandev

Napoli attacker Goran Pandev has warned Juventus his side have no intention of settling for second place in Serie A this season.

Pandev’s side sit seven points behind top spot but made an impressive start to 2013 with a 4-1 victory over Roma, whilst the leaders fell to a surprise 2-1 defeat at home to Sampdoria.

“According to some, the Scudetto is Juventus’ to lose,” he told the Corriere dello Sport.

“But they showed last Sunday (against Sampdoria) that they can be beaten. We are strong and we have to believe. I believe it.

“I absolutely did not sign up for second place because I believe in the quality of our squad and in what we are doing. And now we are physically growing too.”

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis said recently Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli would be a ‘dream signing’, and Pandev believes the Italy star would do well at the San Paolo.

“(Balotelli) is a boy full of quality, a real champion,” the former Inter man added.

“He has an exuberant character, but he is young. I would see him fit in well here because in this Napoli side star players are accepted.”

Napoli are fourth in Serie A with 37 points from their 19 games.