In a conference call with bond holders, CFO Francesco Mele said the issue would be discussed at a board meeting on Wednesday and a statement could come later in the day.

He also said that under the plan agreed with the European Central Bank, the bank had to raise 5 billion euros, and there was no accord that would allow it to raise a lower amount.

"The transaction is for 5 billion and it has been approved for 5 billion. There is no other scenario," Mele said.

(Reporting by Silvia Aloisi)