Napoli favourites against Chelsea? No chance, says coach

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri has laughed off talk that his side are favourites ahead of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League last-16 first leg against Chelsea in Naples.

Mazzarri is revelling in Napoli's progress to the knockout rounds after 22 years away but was keen to point out that the Londoners had far more European experience despite their domestic woes.

"Now we are simply happy to be here playing two matches against a Chelsea side that have played more than 100 games in this competition and this says a lot," Mazzarri, banned from the dugout for pushing an opponent in the group stage, told a news conference on Monday.

"It seems strange to me that people are saying we are favourites.

"I hope they are not at their best because they have lots of decisive players."

Fifth-placed Chelsea have won two of their last 10 Premier League games and drew 1-1 at home with second-tier Birmingham City in the FA Cup fifth round on Saturday, prompting speculation that Villas-Boas could be sacked if they fail to impress at the imposing San Paolo.

Napoli have also not been in great form in Italy's Serie A, having been outside bets for the title at the start of the season. They lie sixth but shone in Friday's 3-0 win at Fiorentina where strikers Edinson Cavani and Ezequiel Lavezzi both scored.

Mazzarri will be forced to cheer on his side from the stands and is not able to meet the players at halftime or communicate with the bench by telephone.

"We prepare for the game beforehand. I'm sorry I can't be on the bench but (assistant Nicolo) Frustalupi is perhaps better than me as a tactician," he said.