Napoli Head Coach Hits Out At Inter President: ‘Leave These Things To Those Who Were On The Pitch’ | OneFootball

The fallout from Napoli 3-1 Inter has not stopped at the penalty controversy, with Italian media highlighting Antonio Conte and his post-match outburst, after the Napoli coach openly criticised Beppe Marotta for speaking to the cameras on behalf of Inter.

Conte claimed such behaviour creates excuses, arguing that a team must face its responsibilities directly.

Speaking to DAZN, via FCInterNews, he said: “Inter always send Marotta or the directors. Here in Naples, I come out myself. A team must make the right evaluations and understand why it lost – otherwise you create alibis for the players and the coach.”

Marotta spoke after the game to criticise the decision to award Napoli a first half penalty in controversial circumstances.

The Inter president felt the decision was a ‘game-changing’ error that allowed Napoli the advantage in a tight affair.

Napoli 3-1 Inter – Conte Hits Out At Marotta

VERONA, ITALY – NOVEMBER 23: Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between Verona and FC Internazionale at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on November 23, 2024 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Conte went further, insisting he would never accept that dynamic in his own dressing room.

“I never allowed it. With all respect to Marotta – he should leave these things to those who were on the pitch. I have always defended myself, not with ‘official defences’ from others.”

However, Italian outlets were quick to highlight the contradiction.

As La Repubblica noted, “in truth, during his Inter years, Conte repeatedly called on directors to speak publicly on his behalf.”

The paper accused the coach of rewriting history to suit the moment, suggesting his anger stems more from pressure than principle.

For Inter, the club has chosen silence and immediate focus on Fiorentina, while Conte’s comments threaten to fuel a rivalry that is already becoming deeply personal.