Benitez dismisses Juventus dominance

Posted Monday, July 15, 2013 by Goal.com

The Napoli trainer insists the Bianconeri will be challenged for the Scudetto by his side and others, while refusing to be drawn on Edinson Cavani's future

Rafael Benitez has rejected the notion that Juventus will dominate Serie A for a third successive season and believes that Napoli can break the champions' Scudetto stranglehold.

The Partenopei finished second last term but nine points adrift of the Bianconeri, who claimed back-to-back league titles under the stewardship of Antonio Conte.

Benitez, who replaced Walter Mazzarri at the Stadio San Paolo, is aiming to take the Naples-based club up a gear the coming campaign.

"Juventus are a strong team and have made waves in the transfer market but there are other teams who can compete for the title and every year is different," the 53-year-old said.

"We will try to be competitive in all competitions - we have the Champions League to compete in and we are strong and equipped.

"In Serie A, there are other teams [who can challenge] such as Inter, Roma, Fiorentina and AC Milan. But we will fight until the end.

"There has been a very positive reaction from fans regarding my arrival and I am very happy with this. My desire is to work hard, give 100 per cent to the club and to make the fans happy."

Napoli striker Edinson Cavani is believed to be on the verge of a move to Paris Saint-Germain, however, the former Chelsea and Inter boss refused to be drawn on whether a transfer is imminent.

"I have spoken with Cavani, but I am focused on my job," Benitez added. "If he stays with us, we'll meet again on July 21."