Totti receives glowing tribute from Diego Maradona

Diego Maradona believes Francesco Totti has proven himself to be a once-in-a-generation talent, saying '40 players from every team in Italy wouldn't make one Totti'.

The Argentine, regarded by most as one of the finest players - if not the finest - in the history of football, has long been a fan of Roma's captain, calling him "the world's number one" at one point during the prime of the Italian's career.

And, speaking ahead of a charity match in Rome this week that will see both men participate, Maradona has reiterated his admiration for a player who in recent years has impressed a whole new generation of football fans with his longevity.

"He can play for another 50 years," Maradona said of the 40-year-old. "Forty players from every team in Italy wouldn't make one Totti."

Maradona famously represented Napoli during his time in Serie A, guiding the team to the only two Serie A titles in their history in 1987 and 1990.

Roma face Napoli at the San Paolo when Serie A action returns this weekend, and Maradona hopes for a thrilling encounter between two rivals.

"It won't be easy at Napoli but I hope the game is played in the right spirit because we all know what happened in the meetings home and away," he said.

"May the spectacle be the real winner and may the best team win ... which is definitely Napoli!"