Napoli coach Conte snaps at Marotta: Big teams don't make excuses

Napoli coach Antonio Conte snapped back at Inter Milan president Beppe Marotta after victory on Saturday night.

Napoli won 3-1 at the Maradona, with Marotta furious over the Azzurri penalty converted by Kevin de Bruyne.

Marotta said at final whistle: "The penalty was the shocking incident. I appeal to the referee's incomprehensive decision."

He continued: "VAR didn't intervene. The referee was well-positioned, but an assistant who was worse off intervened. It was a bad decision that took the game in a different direction.

"Did Inter have character? Yes, but we also have to give Napoli credit. This match should help us understand what attitude to adopt against teams like that. The lads gave what they could, we just have to thank them."

In response, Conte rapped: "The difference between Napoli and Inter is that they send Marotta or the other directors, while I come to us. Big teams shouldn't create excuses, and I wouldn't have allowed my directors to do that.

"Marotta has now also become president, and he's escalating things dramatically, but he should leave matters on the pitch to those who played the game and not intervene because that would also belittle the coach. These official defenses are getting a bit… I don't know. But that's fine."