“Often when we make decisions, we get caught up in the moment and that’s what happened to me when I called Donadoni,” confessed the patron on Sky Sport Italia television.

“I had to sign a new Coach to shake up the locker room and send a signal to the squad, but in doing so I pushed aside a great friend like Edy Reja.

“Would I take that route again? It was a decision I had to make, but with the benefit of hindsight and the experience I have now, I’d say no. I would not do that again.”

Reja had taken the Partenopei to repeated promotions from Serie C1 to the top flight and even UEFA Cup qualification, but was fired in March.

It is not the most reassuring message ahead of a do-or-die match against Siena this afternoon and only increases speculation Donadoni will be sacked.

De Laurentiis has been vocal in his complaints at the lack of results, as so far Napoli have only four points from an available 15.

The movie mogul also pointed out he wants to have words with transfer guru Pierpaolo Marino.

“Marino runs risks because that is his job, just as I run risks when I produce a film. We all have our responsibilities and when there is a mistake we need to take a step aside with good grace.”