Mazzarri: Juventus are more than just Pirlo

01-Mar-2013 3:55:00 PM

The 51-year-old is eagerly anticipating Friday's game against the reigning champions, and is pleased with the Partenopei's return to the top in recent years

Walter Mazzarri has warned Napoli cannot afford to solely focus on Andrea Pirlo in this weekend's Serie A match against Juventus, as he feels the Bianconeri have numerous great players.

The influential midfielder has developed into the Old Lady's undisputed star player since joining the club from AC Milan in the summer of 2011, but Mazzarri feels Pirlo is not Juve's only threat.

"Stopping Pirlo isn’t the problem, because Juventus aren’t just about Pirlo," Mazzarri said at a press conference.

"They’ve also got [Claudio] Marchisio, [Arturo] Vidal, the wingers, the strikers. They have plenty of options and so we need to stay alert.

"They are a really good side and have excellent technical qualities right from the back, even [Gianluigi] Buffon is like a forward on the ball."

Mazzarri then went on to discuss Napoli's performances so far this term, and voiced his delight with their re-emergence.

"Apart from our third-placed finish two years ago, it’s been 23 years since Napoli ended the season near the top.

"However, now we’re competing with the best which is great and we are delighted to have come so far, to be competing at these levels and to be feared by everyone. So, however it goes tomorrow, it will be a success."

Napoli are currently trailing leaders Juventus by six points.

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