Napoli can catch up with Juventus, says Maggio

14 Jan 2013 15:50:00

The Italy international is confident his side can still rival the Bianconeri this term, and feels they should not settle for second place in Serie A

Napoli right-back Christian Maggio believes that his team have a good chance of catching up with Juventus in the Serie A title race this season.

The Partenopei currently sit third in the table, five points behind the table-topping Bianconeri, and the Italy defender thinks if his side have a shot of winning the Scudetto.

"[Coach Walter] Mazzarri told us that we must always think match by match, thinking only of ourselves," the 30-year-old told reporters.

"We are still far away from Juve, but we were pleased that they drew, because it enabled us to close the gap. In the first half of the season, we did not start well, but now we know that we need to do.

Napoli forward Goran Pandev recently claimed that only top spot would be good enough for his side, and Maggio has voiced his assent with his team-mate.

"Pandev says he would not sign for a second place? I agree. Regarding it's coming from someone like him who has won a lot in his career, it is always encouraging," he added.

Finally, the former Sampdoria man played down comments from Juve's Claudio Marchisio, who revealed he was always extra-motivated when facing the San Paolo outfit.

"Marchisio is a great guy, he didn't want to offend anyone. In inverted commas, I also hate Juve, but it is a sporting hatred," he concluded.

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