Napoli midfielder Daniele Mannini faces a two-year ban after missing a drugs test.

WADA - the World Anti Doping Authority - has recommended that Mannini, Davide Possanzini of Brescia and Nicolo Cherubin of Reggina be banned.

Mannini, who was with Brescia at the time, has left the matter to the Rondinelle's lawyer, Carlo Ghirardi, who is shocked by the 24-year-old's treatment.

"The request for a ban of two years is grotesque," remarked Ghirardi. "We are talking about a player absolved in the first degree.

"He tested negative, and was disqualified for 15 days because he was late for the procedure.

"He didn't make it in time because he was closed in the dressing room with the rest of the Brescia team. It's absurd."

Ghirardi, however, is confident the case will be resolved.

"We will show that Mannini has not, in fact, eluded the test. WADA expect an appeal in the next 10 days and I believe that within 20 days they will retract their request for a ban.

"I would like to thank Napoli again, because they have done everything to protect a young player who has his entire future in front of him."