Nerazzurri President Slams “Game-Changing Penalty Decision” As Inter Milan Fall 3-1 To Napoli At The Maradona | OneFootball

Inter CEO Beppe Marotta expressed frustration over the penalty that opened the scoring as Inter Milan lost 3-1 to Napoli, arguing that the decision changed the momentum of the match.

Speaking to DAZN, Marotta said the spot-kick, converted by Kevin De Bruyne, “was decisive in shifting the balance” before Napoli went on to claim all three points.

Marotta criticised the process behind the decision, with quotes via FCInterNews.

“The referee didn’t whistle anything and was better positioned than everyone. Then he gives a penalty because the assistant decides. The images are clear – from that moment, the match took a different direction,” he said.

Napoli’s penalty gave them a lead over Inter heading into half-time, before second half goals from Scott McTominay and Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa.

Napoli 3-1 Inter Milan: Fair Winners But Marotta Criticises Decisions

UDINE, ITALY – APRIL 08:Giuseppe Marotta of FC Internazionale during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and FC Internazionale – Serie A TIM at Dacia Arena on April 08, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Although he later acknowledged, “Napoli then legitimised their victory and honour to the winners,” Marotta maintained that the incident “sparked anger and disappointment already at half-time and conditioned the match.”

Referencing recent refereeing directives, he added: “Rocchi said ‘no more soft penalties.’ You judge this one.”

On a brief touchline flashpoint, Marotta played down controversy: “Lautaro and Conte? Just football dynamics, nothing more.”

Inter will now attempt to regroup ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

On Wednesday, the Nerazzurri return to San Siro after three away games on the bounce.

Inter welcome Fiorentina on Wednesday night before an early kick off in Verona on Sunday afternoon.

A midweek Champions League test against minnows Kairat follows before the Nerazzurri’s last game before the international break against Lazio on November 9.