Chievo vs Napoli preview - Ruiz talks up new boy Cavani

Posted Wednesday, February 02, 2011 by PA

New Napoli signing Victor Ruiz has compared in-form striker Edinson Cavani to Serie A superstar Zlatan Ibrahimovic and the world's best player, Lionel Messi.

Cavani scored his second hat-trick of the season against Sampdoria on Sunday, with that win meaning Napoli head to Chievo in second place in the table.

The modest Cavani has played down his exploits, insisting the team must come first, but Ruiz is more than aware of his new team-mate's value.

Having witnessed him and strike partner Ezequiel Lavezzi tear Samp to shreds, he said: "I was impressed. They are very strong. Two fantastic players.

"I've played against Ibrahimovic and Messi, but, Lavezzi and Cavani seemed even stronger. Thank God I have them on my side. There will be no problems for me."

Ruiz completed his move from Espanyol and is looking forward to integrating himself into a winning team.

He added: "At the moment I am only thinking of integrating fully with the environment.

"The dream is then to fight for important goals, but it is too early to talk about it. We must try and win a game at a time and stay focused on the present.

"Napoli are a well-built team and we should go down the road gradually."

The next step on that road is Chievo's Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi against a side that are unbeaten in their last four games and won 3-0 at Brescia at the weekend.

Bostjan Cesar is free of suspension after serving a one-game ban against Brescia, and could be called upon to stop Cavani adding to his 16 goals so far this season.

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