Cavani can do at PSG what he did at Napoli, insists Mazzarri

The striker has failed to shine in Ligue 1, having been utilised as a winger since he joined, but his former coach believes he can still star for the French club

Walter Mazzarri has defended Edinson Cavani's performances for Paris Saint-Germain and insists the Uruguay international can play together with Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The South American has been criticised for his displays since his move to the French capital from Napoli, where he was one of the star players under Mazzarri for four years.

The 27-year-old has generally been used as a winger, only being moved into the centre-forward role in the absence of Ibrahimovic.

But Mazzarri insists he can go on to be a key player for the Ligue 1 champions and reach the same heights he hit in Serie A.

"Cavani is a player who gave me a lot and for whom I have great respect," the Inter coach told France Football.

"We have always had a good relationship. He is an athlete and an outstanding professional who was instrumental in my team.

"We made history together with Napoli, getting into the Champions League twice and the Europa League twice too.

"I don't want to judge the situation at PSG. His coach knows what to do. Given that he is no longer my player, I'd rather not go into details on the matter.

"Cavani is a great player and I am convinced that at PSG he can do what he did with Napoli. He and Ibrahimovic form a great pair and they can play together - that is not a problem."