Paolo Cannavaro backs Walter Mazzarri for Napoli stay

Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro has insisted that he and his players want Walter Mazzarri to remain as the team's coach.

Recent reports have suggested that the Italian club could appoint Roberto Di Matteo as their coach at the end of the season.

"The coach is still happy and looks the same to us," said Cannavaro. "In fact, he's even more determined than usual. He gives the side so much adrenaline.

"We show on the field that we believe in our coach and you can see his ideas in the way we play. It's true we now have this style of football embedded into our minds, but that doesn't mean Mazzarri can leave.

"The fact his contract expires this summer counts for nothing. We have achieved our European objective and now we want to continue challenging the teams who are ahead of us in the Serie A table."

Napoli are currently fourth in Serie A with 27 points from 13 matches.