Cannavaro outlines test for Napoli, Juve

Retired defender Fabio Cannavaro is eagerly awaiting the Serie A clash between former clubs Juventus and Napoli on Tuesday.

The 38-year-old Neapolitan expects league leaders Juve to be thoroughly tested, but also warns Walter Mazzarri’s men that this is one match they must not lose.

“Juventus are growing and so is the belief that they can win the Scudetto. Playing a game a week is an advantage for them,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Napoli are not out of it, but are spending a lot of energy in the Champions League, but the biggest challenge is Juve. Historically, they are the great adversary of Napoli. More than an opponent, the fans make them feel like an enemy.”

“I like this Juve, but I think the San Paolo will be a very good test for them and if they can get a good result, especially after the Lazio match, I think they can really do great things.”

Napoli are sitting eighth in the league standings and nine points behind their opponents, but Cannavaro – who has remained in football as technical director of UAE club Al-Ahli – is convinced that Antonio Conte’s men must be wary.

“It will be difficult for Juve because they are playing a great side. Napoli desperately need the points but the necessity for them is not to lose,” said Cannavaro, whose younger brother Paolo is a defender for Napoli.

“Juventus will miss (midfielder Claudio) Marchisio, while (Napoli right-back Christian) Maggio can prove to be very dynamic and hurt teams a lot. But I think (Napoli striker Edinson) Cavani will be decisive as he covers a lot of ground and is also deadly in front of goal.”

Italy World Cup-winning captain Cannavaro began his career with Napoli, making 58 league appearances for the club before going on to play for a host of top sides including Parma, Inter, Juventus and Real Madrid.