Pierpaolo Marino has scoffed at reports of Diego Maradona returning to Napoli.

Marino played with Maradona at Napoli and is a former sports director of the club.

"I don't believe in this rumour at all," Marino told SportItalia. "I will only believe it if Maradona himself says it.

"He has fiscal issues here in Italy, and cannot return as a worker in this country.

"I think that Napoli fans will need to wait a while to see Diego on the bench again. (Walter) Mazzarri is doing a fantastic job currently.

"I believe that Maradona will stay in Argentina. It would be a wonderful story to see him remain as national team coach, as he is the people's choice."