Rome - Coach Mario Beretta has said he will not return on the bench of Serie A side strugglers Siena, who this week appeared set to hire him, Italian media reported Saturday.

"I am very sorry to have to say that the negotiation for my return to Siena is definitely over," Beretta was quoted as saying.

Beretta, 50, coached Siena in 2006-2007, was fired after narrowly escaping relegation, but was called back nine games into the following season, again managing to remain in the top flight.

The Tuscany side lie last on six points from 12 games. They fired Marco Giampaolo and have had youth-team coach Marco Baroni on the bench for the past two games. (dpa)