Cavani rejoices over ´miracle´ goal

Edinson Cavani described his last-minute goal that sent Napoli through to the Europa League knockout stages as a ‘miracle’.

Cavani headed home the decisive goal in the 93rd minute to give Napoli a 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest on Wednesday, sending the Italians through to the final 32 of the competition ahead of the Romanians, who only needed a draw to qualify.

“It was a miracle,” Cavani said. “I am very happy for this city that always supports us and pushes us on to greater things. I dedicate this goal to God and all the magnificent Napoli fans.”

“Things were looking bleak, but we fought to the end and deserve this qualification. Steaua were set out very defensively and cut off all the spaces.”

“We proved that with heart you can achieve anything. Going through to the knockouts was a very important objective.”

Napoli are the only Italian side remaining in the Europa League after Juventus, Sampdoria and Palermo were all eliminated.

And coach Walter Mazzarri said qualification for the knockout stages shows how far the club has come since being promoted from the Italian second division in 2006.

“Since I arrived here, this team has grown exponentially,” Mazzarri said.

“The Naples of a few years ago was in Serie B, now we play with the big clubs.”

“If I look at how we were and look at how we cannot emphasise how much has changed.”

“We are doing great things. But now we need to act rationally and calmly.”