Mazzarri: Azzurri will evolve after the loss of Lavezzi

Napoli will evolve after the loss of Lavezzi, says Mazzarri

Jul 12, 2012 3:00:00 PM

The Partenopei boss will place his faith in striker Goran Pandev and make bold tactical changes, as his side look to improve upon their fifth-place finish in Serie A last term

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri believes his side will cope with the loss of Ezequiel Lavezzi and has outlined a brave tactical switch ahead of the new campaign.

Lavezzi left the Serie A club to join Paris Saint-Germain for a fee in the region of €30 million this summer after helping the Partenopei lift the Coppa Italia.

Mazzarri accepts that Napoli have lost one of their key players, but believes Goran Pandev will more than fill the Argentine's boots.

"Lavezzi is a champion, but Goran has grown. Lavezzi left for a substantial figure, but last year we also did well with Pandev," he told La Gazzetta Dello Sport.

"In many games without Lavezzi, Goran was just as effective. Pandev has undisputed quality, but with different characteristics from Lavezzi."

Mazzarri then revealed he will switch formations, a move that he believes will make Napoli a faster and more fluid attacking force.

"Compared to my first three years, I want to try the 3-5-1-1."

"We have to study new formations to be more unpredictable. From game to game we will change our skin and even from one time to another [during matches].

"My philosophy is never to be satisfied. I am convinced that we can be competitive."