Cannavaro tips Lavezzi to run riot

Napoli’s Paolo Cannavaro believes team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi can put Chelsea’s defence in crisis in their Champions League clash.

The Italians head into Wednesday’s second leg of their round of 16 tie with a 3-1 lead and are also on a great run of form in Serie A after an inconsistent start to the campaign.

Walter Mazzarri’s men thrashed Cagliari 6-3 on Friday and Cannavaro, the team’s captain, is adamant his Argentine colleague could cause the English Premier League giants all sorts of problems in midweek.

“He is a leader and at times, he simply cannot be marked. He can really put the Chelsea defence in crisis,” Cannavaro told Rai Tre.

The 30-year-old centre-half is full of confidence as his team prepare to attempt to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

“We will play our game at Stamford Bridge and will certainly give our all. The real Napoli has been back for a while now as we discovered our determination and desire to win,” he said.

Lavezzi has been in fine form of late and has netted in his last five appearances for the Naples-based club, who head into Sunday in fourth place in Serie A.