In the recent Serie A clash, Napoli manager Antonio Conte expressed his frustration regarding the use of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology during his team’s 1-1 draw against Inter Milan at the iconic San Siro stadium. The match was a tense affair where Napoli initially took the lead through Scott McTominay, who netted an early goal. However, the equalizer came courtesy of Hakan Calhanoglu, who found the back of the net just two minutes before halftime, leveling the score.
The turning point in the match seemed to arise when the referee, Maurizio Mariani, awarded a penalty to Inter Milan following a challenge in the box. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa was deemed to have brought down Denzel Dumfries. However, upon review, it was clear that replays indicated only minimal contact between the two players. According to the rules set forth by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a VAR review can only occur in cases of “clear and obvious error” or “serious missed incident.” Consequently, the initial penalty decision stood, much to Conte’s outrage.
After the match, Conte did not hold back in expressing his discontent with how VAR protocols were implemented. He noted that although Calhanoglu missed the subsequent penalty by striking the post, the principle behind VAR’s intervention was pivotal in determining the outcome of the match. “What does it mean that VAR cannot intervene?” Conte questioned in his post-match interview with DAZN, emphasizing the need for the technology to correct any errors that could transform the trajectory of games. He lamented the idea that it only seemed to be utilized when it was convenient, stating that these decisions are crucial and possess the potential to skew match results.
Conte’s passionate plea highlighted a deeper concern among coaches about the integrity of VAR processes. His comments resonate with many who argue that the system tends to “fuel conspiracy theories and bad thoughts.” Reflecting on the overall atmosphere, he expressed that the current implementation incites doubt and speculation regarding the motives behind refereeing decisions. “I don’t want to have bad thoughts. If there’s an error, VAR must intervene,” he asserted, demanding a system free from ambiguity.
Further elaborating on his stance, Conte articulated the need for referees to review contentious calls directly on the pitch. He insisted that if a clear error is present, there should be a mechanism in place for referees to double-check their decisions on the monitor before finalizing it. “If he confirmed the decision, I’d be the first to defend him,” he remarked, showing a desire for transparency rather than controversy.
Despite the draw allowing Napoli to temporarily extend their lead at the top of the Serie A standings—where they now find themselves just two points ahead of sixth-placed Juventus—Conte’s satisfaction with the outcome was dampened. He conveyed frustration for all coaches involved, lamenting the guidelines governing VAR. “Who made this protocol?” he queried, searching for the rationale behind the existing rules that seem to provoke discontent among teams.
As Napoli heads into a two-week international break, Conte’s concerns about maintaining a calm demeanor on the bench also surfaced. He humorously recalled how the odds for him receiving a red card were placed at 1/4 following the contentious match, underscoring the mounting pressure on coaches to navigate the heated environment created by VAR controversies.
In summary, Antonio Conte’s reflections on VAR during the recent Juventus-Napoli encounter reveal deeper dissatisfaction with the application of rules and fairness in officiating, raising vital questions about the integrity of the game amidst technological advancements.
