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Walter Mazzarri: 'Napoli are not favourites'

Mazzarri: 'Napoli are not favourites'
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Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri claims that his side are not favourites going into their Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea.

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has insisted that his side are not favourites for the Champions League last-16 tie with Chelsea.

Tuesday's first leg at the Stadio San Paolo is considered to be a defining match for Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas in what is turning out to be a difficult first season in England.

"Even if there were problems, all it takes to reassemble a group is one match," said Mazzarri. "Every player wants to do well in Europe. Champions and great players can make the difference at this level.

"I do not agree that Napoli are favourites. Chelsea want to do well in the Champions League and they have players who are accustomed to matches like these. It will be a terrible test; in order to pass it we must do something extraordinary."

Mazzarri has been banned from the touchline for both legs of the tie after pushing an opposition player during a match in December.

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