Napoli director Giovanni Manna feels referees are ‘negatively influenced by VAR’ and says that the January switch window usually results in errors slightly than crew enchancment.
Napoli sporting director Manna launched an interview with Radio CRC on Friday, providing his view on latest referee controversies, the upcoming Serie A conflict with Inter and the winter switch window.
Commercial
Manna: ‘Troublesome second’ for referees
NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 07: Reward Orban of Hellas Verona FC scores his aspect’s second objective in the course of the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Hellas Verona FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 07, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photograph by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Photos)
“We’re certainly going by means of a troublesome second so far as the refereeing is worried,” Manna mentioned through
“What occurred to us in Wednesday’s match is apparent for everybody to see. The referee had sport, however he was negatively influenced by VAR. We’ve at all times hoped and believed that VAR may very well be a assist for referees, however in the meanwhile, I feel it’s truly penalising them. After such lengthy opinions, failing to make the proper choice and influencing the course of the match is unacceptable. I’m referring to what occurred to us on Wednesday, but in addition what is going on on different pitches as nicely.”
Commercial
Napoli had been held to a 2-2 house draw by strugglers Verona on Wednesday, a penalty kick given to the Gialloblu and a disallowed Rasmus Hojlund objective.
The defending Serie A champions at the moment are 4 factors under desk leaders Inter, who they’ll go to at San Siro this coming Sunday.
“We’ll face a powerful opponent in a troublesome stadium. Will probably be an advanced match, however I’m assured we’ll be prepared,” Manna mentioned.
“It’s not a title-decider, however it will be significant like all of the others as a result of each sport is value three factors. We should keep targeted on our aims and never be influenced by exterior elements.”
Commercial
A number of key Napoli gamers stay out of motion, and in line with stories in Italy, the Partenopei are in search of reinforcements in assault and central midfield this month.
Manna on Napoli transfers
Napoli director Giovanni Manna and coach Antonio Conte
“We’re working beneath a e,” Manna mentioned, smiling.
“We will likely be prepared if alternatives come up, however we’re targeted on the pitch. Personally, I feel the switch window ought to shut earlier than the beginning of the season.
“I don’t actually just like the January window as a result of it’s influenced by matches and the continued season, and I feel that most of the time, you find yourself making errors slightly than bettering the crew. We have to keep targeted on the pitch and take nothing as a right.”
Napoli have earned 38 factors in 18 Serie A matches this season, gathering 12 wins, two attracts and 4 defeats.