Udinese coach Pasquale Marino has been handed a vote of confidence.

Reports in Italy have linked former Napoli coach Edy Reja as a possible candidate to replace Marino in the Bianconeri hotseat.

However, Udinese sporting director Sergio Gasparin rubbished the rumours and insisted Marino will remain in charge of the team in the new year.

"Our coach is and will be Pasquale Marino," said Gasparin.

"We are going through a delicate time but we have the strength and the means in our team to come out of this situation, starting with the game against Cagliari."