Mazzarri wants Rossi to play with Lavezzi

Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri admits he would like to sign Italy forward Giuseppe Rossi, but not at the expense of losing Ezequiel Lavezzi.

Last week, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis claimed he was interested in signing Rossi but suggested it might depend on raising funds through selling Lavezzi.

But Mazzarri says he wants to be signing stars not selling them as the club embarks on its first season in the Champions League in 20 years.

“We need 22 players in the squad, that’s also what (Jose) Mourinho says. If someone offers me Giuseppe Rossi I would only be happy,” said Mazzarri.

“Until now the names that have been mentioned weren’t at Giuseppe Rossi’s level and that’s why I’ve always said I don’t want other forwards.

“But as for Rossi, I hope he arrives tomorrow. That would be a great present and would make us take a step up in terms of quality.”

With Edinson Cavani, Lavezzi and Marek Hamsik already forming a potent attacking triumvirate at Napoli, some have suggested there wouldn’t be room to also fit Rossi into the team.

But Mazzarri disagrees given the club’s added European commitments this season.

“Yes I want him but with Lavezzi. I wouldn’t have any problem leaving one of Rossi, Cavani, Lavezzi and Hamsik on the bench, not least because we’ll be playing every three days,” he said.

“I want to manage top players whether it be Rossi, Tevez, Neymar or Balotelli.

“I’d love to manage four top quality forwards.”

However, Mazzarri revealed he has been frustrated by Napoli’s transfer policy, directed by De Laurentiis rather than himself.

“(Mirko) Vucinic was top of our list because he could fill either Lavezzi’s or Cavani’s role, he was ideal for our way of playing,” he said.

“I also wanted Criscito and Vidal but they didn’t come and that’s not down to me. There are reasons but I’m not going into them. I would not have publicised my choices but given that we’re talking about them now, I’ll tell you what I think.

“Trezeguet was a top player but he isn’t any more and I said no when he was offered to me.”

Vucinic and Vidal both signed for Juventus who are not even playing in Europe this season while Domenico Criscito has gone to Russia to join former Roma coach Luciano ­Spalletti at champions Zenit St Petersburg.