Intesa's top investor, asked about Generali deal, says backs management

TURIN, Italy (Reuters) - The top shareholder in Intesa Sanpaolo said on Wednesday it had confidence in the bank's management, signalling that it would not oppose a possible tie-up with insurer Generali.

Intesa on Tuesday confirmed it was exploring a possible deal with the insurer.

Asked about such a combination, Francesco Profumo, head of Compagnia di San Paolo said: "Naturally, Compagnia does not want to interfere. It believes in the management, which will make its own choices."

Compagnia di San Paolo, a banking foundation, has a 9.3 percent stake in the bank.

(Reporting by Gianni Montani, writing by Silvia Aloisi, editing by Francesca Landini)