Cannavaro feels Napoli draw can give Udinese confidence

Fabio Cannavaro hopes the last-gasp 1-1 draw with Napoli will give Udinese ‘confidence’ going into the final three rounds of the season to avoid relegation.

This was always going to be a special game for Cannavaro, who was born and raised in Naples, came through their youth academy and played for the senior squad, but was also linked with the Napoli job this season.

“Aside from the tactical side of the role, I really liked the attitude from my players,” Cannavaro told DAZN.

“Napoli came here trying to win and this draw certainly has a different flavour, as we achieved it against a great team and it can give us confidence for the next games.

“We know it’s going to be tough, but we’ll try our best.”

The Friulani are still in the bottom three, but are only two points off both Empoli and Frosinone, after Isaac Success came off the bench to grab a stoppage-time equaliser.

Victor Osimhen had opened the scoring with a header, while his second on the counter-attack was ruled offside.

Cannavaro advice to Udinese

“Napoli are tough to play against, they control the ball well and occupy the spaces. We were tight and largely neutralised them in the first half, also creating a few chances.

“I told the lads that the first 15 minutes of the second half were crucial, we couldn’t drop back or give them space, but when you have champions like Osimhen, he only needs one touch to score. We should’ve cut the cross off in the first place and we’ll work on that.

“We are all aware the situation is not easy, we are trying to shake off some of the fear. This team tended to lose in situations like this, but the team is alive and kicking, so that bodes well.”

It has been a nightmare fixture list for Cannavaro, starting with the final 17 minutes against Roma, then 1-1 draws with Bologna and Napoli.

However, the run-in does provide Udinese with opportunities, as they will go head-to-head with Lecce, Empoli and Frosinone.

“We think that destiny will be in our hands and we need to start making the most of our strengths.”