Former Napoli player Goran Pandev believes his old club can still lift the Scudetto, whilst he asserts there is no issue with Rafa Benitez.
Former Napoli player Goran Pandev believes his old club can still lift the Scudetto, whilst he asserts there is no issue with Rafa Benitez.
The 31-year-old ended three years at the club this summer to join Cesare Prandelli at Galatasaray, but ahead of Week 7’s meeting between two his former sides in the Vesuviani and Inter, he has turned attention back to Serie A.
“Napoli is a team built to win the Scudetto,” Pandev has told gianlucadimarzio.com today.
“At this moment in time I see Roma and Juventus as the favourites, but Napoli – without the Champions League – can still win the title.
“Of course, at the moment there’s a big gap to the top two, but I hope Benitez can turn it around.”
On the Spaniard, Pandev chose to make clear there is no animosity felt, despite indications to the contrary when he first departed the San Paolo.
“I have never had any problems with Benitez. I played with him much and always to the best of my ability.
“Then came the opportunity to go to Galatasaray and I accepted it immediately because I wanted to change my environment and tackle a new adventure abroad.”
Pandev also considered the indifferent start to the season Inter have made. The Nerazzurri sit 10th in Serie A, and have suffered heavy defeats in their last two outings.
“I don’t understand why there is friction between the Coach [Walter Mazzarri] and the fans. Maybe the fans were expecting a lot – for example to win the League.
“I think Mazzarri is a great Coach, I hope he can bring Inter to the top.”
The forward then turned his attention to the clash at San Siro on Sunday night.
“I expect a game with a lot of goals, and I hope the best team wins. There will be a lot of great players on the pitch, and that’s why I expect a spectacular game.
“Napoli and Inter have both had bad games, and aren’t having the best of times at the moment, but they are two great teams and they’ll recover.”