Mazzarri: Juve are Serie A favourites

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri believes Juventus are favourites to win Serie A this season – but denied the league leaders would have it all their own way.

The Naples-based club occupy third place in the league after securing an impressive 3-0 away victory against Inter Milan last weekend.

But the 50-year-old Mazzarri has stated that Juve should still be considered favourites to lift the Scudetto, and what would be a first top-flight title since 2003.

“(Juventus goalkeeper) Gigi Buffon says Napoli are strong but are in Europe, so he is right. Watch out for Roma too, but I consider Juventus to be the Scudetto favourites. After that, Milan, Inter, Roma, Lazio, us and then Fiorentina,” Mazzarri told Corriere dello Sport.

Mazzarri, who was previously in charge of Sampdoria and Reggina, said he modestly took aboard praise directed at him for his role in revitalising Napoli, and getting them into the Champions League.

“For a long time I was underestimated as a coach, so now it is pleasing and also embarrassing to hear all these compliments,” he said.

“The success of a tactician also depends on his players and the club. I think by now I have enough experience to deal with anything.”

“It’s my eighth year in Italy and, sooner or later, I’d like to work overseas. I had many offers this summer, but never seriously considered leaving Napoli.”

Napoli will welcome Parma to Stadio San Paolo on Saturday in their next Serie A encounter.