Napoli legend Diego Maradona plans to return to Italy next week.

The former Napoli hero has been unable to set foot on Italian soil for several years due to an unpaid tax bill that he contests.

"I talked to him yesterday and can confirm he will be in town next week and I also promised him a warm welcome," lawyer Angelo Pisani told Radio Kiss Kiss.

"I also proposed that he could salute Napoli fans at the San Paolo and watch the Coppa Italia Final. He'd be very happy to do that and we are working on it.

"On April 5 there will be a court hearing with regards to the tax bill. Maradona wants to clarify to the Neapolitans and all Italians that he is not a tax-dodger. He was the victim of a sort of conspiracy, an injustice within justice. He wants to be at the hearing to represent the truth to the judges and prove he's not running away."