Napoli manager Rafael Benitez is confident that the Italian outfit can challenge for the league title next season.

However, the former Liverpool boss, who took charge of the club this summer, also believes that Juventus, AC Milan, Roma, Lazio and Fiorentina will be in the mix for the Serie A crown.

"It is not difficult to keep Napoli in the Scudetto hunt, as you just need to believe in your work and have passion," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I already beat Juventus when I was at Liverpool and that was a satisfying moment. They have the advantage now and there are other competitive squads, but we have to stay in the race.

"Milan are still strong, Roma have quality, Lazio are organised and with Mario Gomez Fiorentina are aiming high."

Napoli finished second in the league last season.