RefCam audio sparks uproar over Napoli penalty against Inter | OneFootball

The penalty awarded to Napoli during their 3-1 win over Inter continues to provoke debate, as newly released RefCam audio has shed fresh light on how the decision was reached.

The incident, involving a coming together between Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Giovanni Di Lorenzo, broke the deadlock at the Stadio Maradona and significantly shifted the momentum of the match.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Frank Zambo Anguissa of SSC Napoli celebrates after scoring his side third goal during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The footage, published by Serie A, shows referee Maurizio Mariani well-positioned and initially inclined to let play continue, as per CalcioNews24.

Assistant intervention led to penalty for Napoli against Inter

However, the audio captures intervention from his assistant Daniele Bindoni, who suggests the contact may be sufficient for a penalty. Mariani is heard asking, “Are you sure?”, before reversing his judgment and pointing to the spot after a brief pause.

NAPLES, ITALY – OCTOBER 25: Lautaro Martinez and Nicolò Barella of FC Internazionale protest with referee Maurizio Marian during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 25, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Kevin De Bruyne converted to give Napoli the lead.

The sequence has reignited frustration among Inter supporters and raised broader concerns about consistency, communication protocols, and perceived external pressure on match officials.