Napoli were left frustrated after a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Atalanta was marred by a series of controversial refereeing decisions in Bergamo.
The Partenopei sent director of sport Giovanni Manna to speak to the media straight after the final whistle, to lay the groundwork for their protest against the referee and VAR.
There were two huge controversial decisions in Bergamo, both after Napoli had gone 1-0 up through a Sam Beukema header.
The first was a penalty awarded by Daniele Chiffi and then revoked following the VAR review, as Rasmus Hojlund ran into Isak Hien and went over his leg, so while there was contact, it was not a foul.
SASSUOLO, ITALY – FEBRUARY 08: Referee Daniele Chiffi during the Serie A match between US Sassuolo Calcio and FC Internazionale at Mapei Stadium Citta del Tricolore on February 08, 2026 in Sassuolo, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
On the penalty, via IlNapolista, former Serie A referee Luca Marelli said:
“There was talk of a supposed penalty: there was contact between the knees, but Hien made no movement toward Hojlund. From my point of view, there was no penalty, so the decision to revoke it is correct.”
Atalanta 2-1 Napoli – Marelli: ‘I don’t see why the goal was disallowed’
Even more problematic though was when Miguel Gutierrez scored within seconds of the restart, only for Chiffi to disallow for an extraordinarily soft tug on Hien, and this time VAR did not intervene to suggest a review.
Marelli was more critical of this decision:
“The incident surrounding Gutierrez’s goal was very complex. Chiffi let it go, and both players helped each other with their arms. I don’t understand why the goal was disallowed. Perhaps there was some collaboration with the assistant, but even though Hojlund made a very light hold with his arm on Hien’s side, I frankly don’t see any fouls. Hien saw himself outplayed and got away with it very easily.
“The VAR check was very quick. I can’t see any infringement on Hojlund and I don’t see any intention of the player taking advantage by holding his opponent back.”
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Rasmus Hojlund of Napoli (right) celebrates with his teammate Eljif Elmas after scoring a goal during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
The last week has already seen so much controversy and debate over VAR, the limitations of the protocol, and when they can use technology to correct an error.
This will only add further fuel to the fire of that discussion, with calls for the AIA officials to step down.