The Argentine intervened in defense of his teammate Dumfries, who was already in discussion with the Napoli coach for an alleged simulation. A turmoil arose which brought out the difficult relationship between the two since their shared experience at Inter
Lautaro who tells Conte “you’re pissing yourself off” (euphemism) accompanying the words with a dramatic and unequivocal gesture, the manager who responds in kind, shouting all his anger at his former player. What happened in the 62nd minute of Napoli-Inter was incredible, a match literally dominated by controversy. But let’s go in order.
count against everyone
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The ‘casus belli’ is a foul by a Napoli player on Dumfries who, after a defensive relaunch, rolls on the ground complaining of having suffered a hard blow. Conte, standing in front of the bench a few meters from the action, blatantly invites the Dutchman to get up without accentuating the contact: Dumfries himself, once play has resumed, goes face to face with the opposing coach to explain his reasons. A brawl ensues in front of the Italian bench, with the Inter players intervening to defend their teammate.
Lautaro’s intervention
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Among these also captain Lautaro Martinez, Conte’s former player for the Nerazzurri between 2019 and 2021. The Argentine, remaining near the midfield circle, draws the attention of his former coach by making a dramatic gesture, closing his hand and pointing to his genitals. From the lips he seems to pronounce the Argentine expression “cagòn” (coward, ed.), made famous by the argument between Tevez and Allegri a few years ago. Conte’s response, equally dramatic, was not long in coming: the Napoli coach addressed a clear insult to the Inter captain, also being warned by the referee Mariani (he seemed to say “this c…”).
the precedent of 2021
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It is not the first time that Lautaro Martinez and Conte have had an argument during a match: in 2021, replaced at the end of a match between Inter and Roma, the Argentine had kicked a bottle, provoking Conte’s anger. Who, with the stadium empty given the Covid restrictions, came out with the expression: “You’re a fucking phenomenon”. The Argentine, at that point, had invited his coach to a showdown in the locker room, before the intervention of team manager Oriali put an end to the controversy. At least until tonight…
La Gazzetta dello Sport
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