Rome  - Veteran defender Christian Panucci appears set to leave Roma after a row over his refusal to sit on the bench for last weekend's game at Napoli.

The Serie A side Tuesday wrote on their web site that they feel that Panucci, 35, "has lacked respect toward his teammates, the coach, the club and more than anything the fans."

Roma went on to say that it "does not tolerate this kind of behaviour."

Panucci, whose contract with the club from the capital expires this year, on Sunday reportedly bristled at Luciano Spalletti's decision to keep him on the bench and went to sit in the stands of Naples's San Paolo stadium as Roma clinched a 3-0 win.

Spalletti did not call up the defender for a midweek round that Roma play Wednesday at Palermo. He said he didn't know if Panucci is going to leave during the winter transfer window, which closes at the end of January.

"I must acknowledge the footballer will not to be available and, as agreed with the club, he won't be called up," Spalletti said.

Panucci has been at Roma since 2001. He was encouraged to stay by fans outside the team's training camp, but his departure is considered by many as inevitable.

It appears that Manchester City and Juventus could consider welcoming him, although the Turin club has denied any interest in buying new defenders. dpa