Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has effectively urged sports director Pierpaolo Marino to step down.

After their poor start to the season, De Laurentiis said last night: "I thank him for what he has done for Napoli, but his professional life in football continues.

"Separations happen, just like in movies. The time has come to press the reset button."

However, the patron did take some of the pressure off Coach Donadoni, who could well have been sacked if he had not won this weekend.

"Let us leave him in peace."