In a recent Serie A match, Antonio Conte, the head coach of Napoli, urged Kevin De Bruyne to take a crucial penalty instead of teammate David Neres. This incident occurred during a game against Inter, where Napoli was awarded a penalty kick for a foul committed by Henrikh Mkhitaryan on Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
De Bruyne Takes Center Stage
During the match, which took place on September 28, 2025, De Bruyne successfully converted the penalty, although he sustained an injury while executing the shot. Despite the successful kick, a controversy emerged regarding the penalty decision itself.
Conte’s Controversial Call
- Conte instructed Matteo Politano to communicate to the team that De Bruyne should take the penalty.
- Neres, who initially prepared to take the shot, was sidelined by Conte’s decision.
This strategic move sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about the appropriateness of the decision. The penalty awarded to Napoli has since been questioned, with VAR involvement suggested to have been improperly used.
Referee Pundit Weighs In
Luca Marelli, a referee pundit for DAZN, criticized the officiating during the match. He argued that the penalty awarded to Napoli should have been overturned. Marelli stated, “There was no penalty for Napoli. The contact was clearly initiated by Di Lorenzo,” highlighting concerns about the officiating by referee Maurizio Mariani and the VAR team.
As the debate continues, both Napoli fans and football enthusiasts await further clarification on this contentious penalty incident.
Upcoming Matches
Napoli’s next fixtures are crucial as they look to maintain their position in Serie A. This controversy over the penalty decision against Inter could serve as a pivotal moment this season. Napoli aims to resolve this situation and continue to push for the top rankings in the league.
