Last season Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly (31) - now at Premier League side Chelsea - and Cameroon midfielder Andre Zambo Anguissa (26) missed several Napoli games while on international duty at this year's AFCON, which took place between January and February 2022.

De Laurentiis expressed his annoyance at this on a Wall Street Italia talk show remarking that he would not sign players unless "...they sign a waiver giving up their right to participate to the Africa Cup of Nations tournaments," adding, "...between AFCON and the championships in South America ... I never have them (Napoli players) available,"

The Italian film producer also criticised the fact that clubs were agreeing to more and more games, suggesting a European tournament with the top clubs from the strongest five countries instead of the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

He did not, however, support the breakaway European Super League which folded less than 48 hours after it was announced last year.

"You cannot create a super club of privileged members who invite others (to the league). You need to democratically keep the door open for everyone," he said.

De Laurentiis added that he was tired of receiving offers from investment funds for the club, adding that he was offered 900 million euros around four to five years ago by American investors.

"You (bidders) did not understand a thing (about me). I am a pure entrepreneur who enjoys doing business ... let me play," he said. "I want to be the 12th player on the pitch. Actually, the 12th player is the fan, I can be the 13th or even the 14th, as 14 is my favourite number."

Napoli begin the 2022/23 Serie A season on August 15th away to Verona.