Napoli’s manager, Walter Mazzarri, expressed frustration over the refereeing in Napoli's 1-0 loss to Inter in the Italian Super Cup.
This marked Mazzarri's second refusal to attend the trophy ceremony after losing the Super Cup with Napoli, the first being in 2012.
Throughout the match, Mazzarri openly criticized referee Antonio Rapuano's decisions, especially regarding a challenge on Kvicha Kvaratskhelia. He stated, “This is shocking, you cannot ignore that foul. Let’s go, let’s leave,” as reported by Football Italia.
Inter beat Napoli to win Italian Super Cup – Getty image
Mazzarri's dissatisfaction continued when Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu received a yellow card after several rough tackles, with Napoli arguing he should have been booked earlier or even sent off.
His frustration peaked when Napoli’s Giovanni Simeone was sent off for two yellow cards, prompting a strong reaction from Mazzarri on the sidelines.
Upon Inter's winning goal by Lautaro Martinez in the 91st minute, Mazzarri and his coaching staff boycotted the trophy ceremony, leaving the pitch in protest.
This was not the first time Mazzarri boycotted an Italian Super ceremony due to controversial refereeing. In a prior encounter with Juventus, he and the Napoli squad refused to participate, allowing the opposing team to celebrate alone.
Despite Mazzarri’s absence from post-match events and refusal to speak with the press, Napoli players proceeded to receive their medals.
English (US)