Conte's Verbal Volley: When Fury Meets the Fourth Official in Inter vs Napoli
12 January 2026
Conte's tirade during Inter-Napoli clash
Italian press reported that Antonio Conte, Napoli's coach, exploded at the fourth official after a late video review awarded Inter a penalty, changing the balance of the match with about 19 minutes left.
Conte reacted by kicking a water bottle and loudly clashing with the fourth official Colombo. The on-field referee Daniele Doveri immediately showed Conte a straight red card, ejecting him from the touchline.
La Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Conte later, describing the exchange as heated and insulting toward the official. Napoli defender Ramani had previously fouled Henrik Mkhitaryan; Inter continued, and Alessandro Bastoni's shot went narrowly over the bar.
The video review confirmed the contact leading to the penalty, giving Inter the lead at 2-1 well before the final whistle. Conte remained near the bench, gesticulating wildly, until the match saw a second equalizer that levelled the score.
The confrontation dominated post-match headlines, sparking debates about officiating and Conte's sideline behavior.
Punchlines: Conte’s tirade was so theatrical that even the water bottle got a standing ovation.
If passion paid wages, Conte would top the league, but the referee would still be the one signing the check.
