Napoli manager Antonio Conte has voiced his outrage over a controversial penalty decision in his team’s 1-1 draw against Inter Milan, with VAR’s role in the incident leaving him “really angry.”
The highly charged Serie A clash saw Inter awarded a contentious spot-kick after a collision between Napoli’s Andre Frank Zambo Anguissa and Inter’s Denzel Dumfries—despite minimal contact between the players.
Conte’s frustrations were clear as he questioned the inconsistency of VAR intervention. He expressed his dismay in a post-match interview with DAZN, saying, “What does it mean that VAR cannot intervene?
“Sometimes it can, sometimes it can’t… Either it’s there to correct errors or it’s not. If there’s an error, it must intervene, period.”
He further criticised the ambiguity of VAR protocol, adding, “Mr. Marelli can say what he wants, but what does it mean that referee Mariani has to decide on the situation himself? We started very well with VAR; now situations are being added that induce ulterior motives.”
Napoli initially took the lead through Scott McTominay, who capitalised on a close-range chance, but Inter equalised when Hakan Calhanoglu unleashed a stunning long-range effort.
However, Inter’s opportunity to secure a victory came with the disputed penalty. Despite the chance to seize the three points, Calhanoglu struck his penalty poorly, hitting the post.
Conte also took a positive view of Napoli’s performance against the defending champions, noting his players’ determination and growth: “I said we wouldn’t come here to be sparring partners for the strongest team of all. From this point of view, I’m very satisfied, we’re making improvements. There are values and the boys are showing me they’re on point despite some mistakes.”
Reflecting on the impact of the penalty call, Conte addressed the broader issue of VAR’s effect on trust in officiating, warning that the protocol can fuel suspicions: “The penalty bothered me. VAR can be helpful for honesty, but instead, the protocol creates conspiracy theories.
“If there’s an error, you intervene and correct it, or you call the referee and the referee evaluates. This way, instead, it creates conspiracy theories and bad thoughts, and I don’t want to have bad thoughts.”
The draw allows Napoli to hold onto the top spot in Serie A heading into the international break, but the competition is tight, with four teams, including Inter, just one point behind in the standings.