Cesare Prandelli believes Napoli start the Serie A season “on the same level” as six-times winners Juventus, but Mario Balotelli has “found his identity” in Nice.
The campaign kicks off next weekend, but first the Partenopei have to get past Nice to reach the Champions League proper.
“Perhaps Balotelli has finally reached maturity,” the former Italy Coach told Il Mattino newspaper.
Cesare Prandelli believes Napoli start the Serie A season “on the same level” as six-times winners Juventus, but Mario Balotelli has “found his identity” in Nice.
The campaign kicks off next weekend, but first the Partenopei have to get past Nice to reach the Champions League proper.
“Perhaps Balotelli has finally reached maturity,” the former Italy Coach told Il Mattino newspaper.
“He has extinguished that desire he had to set the world alight and found his identity in Nice. I care for Mario and I am happy for him if he is happy in France.
“But whether Mario plays or not, Napoli are a stronger side and I see them as clear favourites in the Champions League play-off. Their performances are already on the level of last season and it’s only August.
“Napoli have been wise this summer, preparing for the play-off by not changing too much or getting swept up in the transfer market. They focused on the solidity of a group that did extraordinary things last term. This was not the right summer to make changes.
“The play-off is a complicated challenge that forces teams to change their pre-season preparations. You have to focus on the motivation of the players, without having the time to test and train the way you should ahead of such an important game, one that dictates the season ahead.
“Nice came third in Ligue 1, so are not minnows, but Napoli have to play like Napoli.”
Prandelli also sees Maurizio Sarri’s side impressing in the Scudetto race too.
“I think Napoli start out on the same level as Juventus this season, because keeping their best players was the most important thing on the transfer market.”
Should Lorenzo Insigne do like Paulo Dybala and change to the Number 10 jersey?
“No, if I were Lorenzo, I’d keep hold of 24. Maradona is unique and it’s best that jersey forever remain tied to Diego.”