Italian Journalist Blasts Antonio Conte After Inter Milan Vs Napoli: “A Lot Of Discussion About Nothing” | OneFootball

Italian journalist Maurizio Pistocchi has blasted Napoli manager Antonio Conte for criticizing referees after Sunday’s draw at Inter Milan.

During an interview with FCInter1908, Pistocchi accused Conte of making drama for no good reason.

Indeed, Conte lost his temper in the post-match interview, lashing out at main referee Maurizio Mariani and VAR officials.

Napoli spurned an early lead at Giuseppe Meazza.

Hakan Calhanoglu riffled home a thunderous long-range effort to cancel Scott McTominay’s opener late in the first half.

But the Turkish midfielder failed to score from the spot in the second half.

Mariani awarded Inter a penalty after Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa tackled Denzel Dumfries to the ground.

Though the contact looked thin, VAR refused to overrule the referee’s initial call.

It didn’t go down well with Conte, who angrily criticized the decision and questioned the integrity of the refereeing.

Italian journalist Maurizio Pistocchi Slams Antonio Conte After Inter Milan Vs Napoli Draw

“After the match of Inter-Napoli, there was much discussion about nothing,” Pistocchi said.

“VAR saw and confirmed the right foot of Anguissa hitting the left leg of Dumfries.

“Very little about football, with Napoli being long pressed in the last 25 meters. It didn’t allow for many discussions.

“With six teams separated by two points, Serie A 2024/25 is shaping up to be the most balanced tournament in history.

“Consistency will, as always, make the difference.

“But attacking the refereeing class regarding the management of VAR – which is based on the protocol drafted by IFAB, the same worldwide – didn’t seem like a brilliant idea from Conte.

“One can discuss the interpretation of incidents. But the protocol is this, and until it is modified by IFAB, it remains as such.

“It’s a shame that none of his interlocutors pointed this out to the coach.”

Napoli protected their narrow one-point lead on Inter heading into November’s international break.