Napoli see ‘negative’ VAR influence on referees and possible ‘mistakes’ in January window | OneFootball

Napoli director Giovanni Manna feels referees are ‘negatively influenced by VAR’ and says that the January transfer window often leads to mistakes rather than team improvement.

Napoli sporting director Manna released an interview with Radio CRC on Friday, offering his view on recent referee controversies, the upcoming Serie A clash with Inter and the winter transfer window.

Manna: ‘Difficult moment’ for referees

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Gift Orban of Hellas Verona FC scores his side’s second goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 07, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

“We are surely going through a difficult moment as far as the refereeing is concerned,” Manna said via TuttoNapoli.

“What happened to us in Wednesday’s match is plain for everyone to see. The referee had a good game, but he was negatively influenced by VAR. We have always hoped and believed that VAR could be a support for referees, but at the moment, I think it’s actually penalising them. After such long reviews, failing to make the correct decision and influencing the course of the match is unacceptable. I am referring to what happened to us on Wednesday, but also what is happening on other pitches as well.”

Napoli were held to a 2-2 home draw by strugglers Verona on Wednesday, but complained about a penalty kick given to the Gialloblu and a disallowed Rasmus Hojlund goal.

The defending Serie A champions are now four points below table leaders Inter, who they will visit at San Siro this coming Sunday.

“We’ll face a strong opponent in a tough stadium. It will be a complicated match, but I am confident we’ll be ready,” Manna said.

“It’s not a title-decider, but it is important like all the others because every game is worth three points. We must stay focused on our objectives and not be influenced by external factors.”

Several key Napoli players remain out of action, and according to reports in Italy, the Partenopei are looking for reinforcements in attack and central midfield this month.

Manna on Napoli transfers

Napoli director Giovanni Manna and coach Antonio Conte

“We are operating under a controlled regime,” Manna said, smiling.

“We will be ready if opportunities arise, but we are focused on the pitch. Personally, I think the transfer window should close before the start of the season.

“I don’t really like the January window because it is influenced by matches and the ongoing season, and I think that more often than not, you end up making mistakes rather than improving the team. We need to stay focused on the pitch and take nothing for granted.”

Napoli have earned 38 points in 18 Serie A matches this season, collecting 12 wins, two draws and four defeats.