Napoli boss Walter Mazzarri is watching closely Antonio Cassano's dispute at Sampdoria.

The Blucerchiati's request for a contract termination after a furious row with President Riccardo Garrone is dominating headlines, particularly for those who worked with him in Genoa.

"I am disappointed to hear what happened," commented Napoli boss Mazzarri.

"I'd like to point out that we brought him back to Italy for a return to the highest levels.

"Cassano has always had certain limitations in terms of his character, but there were only small disagreements that we dealt with in the locker room."

The ex-Sampdoria tactician hinted that there had been problems in the past with President Garrone.

"We defend Cassano and that included protecting him from the club."