Lavezzi: Cavani is better than Balotelli

24-Feb-2013 6:20:00 AM

Despite the Italy star’s arrival at AC Milan, the former Napoli attacker still believes the Uruguayan is the best striker in Serie A, and hailed the Partenopei as Juventus’ equals

Ezequiel Lavezzi believes his former Napoli team-mate Edinson Cavani remains the best striker in Serie A despite Mario Balotelli’s winter arrival.

The Italy forward sealed his move from Manchester City to AC Milan on deadline day in January, and has scored four goals in his first three games for his new club.

Lavezzi, who left the Stadio San Paolo last summer for Paris Saint-Germain, believes the Uruguayan remains the main force to be reckoned with despite the Rossoneri’s star acquisition.

He told Corriere dello Sport: "Balotelli might, but I think Cavani is without doubt the best."

The Partenopei are just four points off league-leaders Juventus after 25 games, and the Argentina international is of the opinion that his former team-mates can beat the reigning champions this season.

"They are in a position to be able to succeed,” Lavezzi continued. “Compared to other years, they have a chance to fight for the title and I hope they can exploit it.

"So far, Juventus have done better and are ahead in the standings, but I do not think they are that much better. In my opinion, the two teams only are potentially equal. "

The Partenopei face Juventus in a key league clash at the start of March, and the Parc des Princes attacker hailed head coach Walter Mazzarri for having placed the Naples-based club in such a position at this point in the campaign.

“With Napoli fighting for the Scudetto, the credit above all goes to coach Mazzarri,” Lavezzi added. “Nobody else works with his level of attention and he was very important for my growth as a player.

“If he were to leave, it would take a lot away from Napoli. He built this team and made it a winning unit.”

Lavezzi was coy about whether he would return to Serie A in the future and refused to rule out such a suggestion.

“I don’t know [if I will return], but I remain fascinated by Italian football and in future I could come back.”