Napoli target Argentine stars Thursday 24 April, 2008
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Napoli are reportedly tracking the progress of 19-year-old Estudiantes midfielder Pablo Piatti and a host of other Argentine youngsters.
Piatti, who was part of Argentina's squad at the 2007 Under-20 World Cup, played alongside former Serie A star Juan Veron under his ex-Lazio teammate Diego Simeone in his homeland.
According to the Italian Press, Azzurri sporting director Pierpaolo Marino has asked Veron and Estudiantes' current Coach Nestor Sensini, another ex-Aquile, for their opinion on the teenage talent.
Piatti's agent, Nestor Sivori, is said to have also offered Napoli first option on another Argentine star, Bordeaux striker Fernando Cavenaghi, who has hit 14 goals in Ligue 1 this season.
Juventus are also believed to be interested in the pair and even if the Bianconeri steal in for the two South Americans, Napoli Coach Edy Reja [pictured] is confident he will be able take them on loan.
The two clubs have done a lot of business in the last year, negotiating co-ownership deals for Marcelo Zalayeta and Manuele Blasi.
Juventus misfit Sergio Almiron, who was loaned out to France with Monaco in January, is also thought to intrigue the Partenopei along with Italy striker Vincenzo Iaquinta.
Napoli have a reputation for signing Argentines, the most famous being Diego Maradona who joined the Azzurri in 1984 and led them to two Scudetti, a Coppa Italia and a UEFA Cup.
Napoli's top scorer this season with eight Serie A strikes to his name is Ezequiel Lavezzi, an Argentine signed from San Lorenzo last summer.