On the eve of the big match between Napoli and Roma, Antonio Conte focused on various topics in the press conference, with particular emphasis on the issue of VAR, inviting reflection to improve the refereeing system. "I raised the VAR issue to make football better," declared the Napoli coach.
Conte explained his point of view on a recent refereeing episode: "After Mr. Mariani's decision, I thought there hadn't been any contact with the VAR. Then it emerged that there was a recording in which the VAR confirmed contact, but football is a contact sport. It's not enough to say there was contact; we need to evaluate the type: was it minor or a penalty? We need to use technology to help the referee, who can have poor vision or be in the wrong position on the pitch. Technology is on our side; let's use it better."
Speaking about Sunday's match against Roma, Conte praised the work of his opponent and coach Claudio Ranieri, with whom he boasts a relationship of friendship and mutual respect: "It's nice to meet Ranieri. I have a lot of respect for him, and we're even friends. I thought he'd be back on the national team bench, but I'm happy for him and his return to Serie A. It'll be a tough match, both for us and for them."
Conte: "We're doing well, but there are a lot of teams ahead of us."
On Roma, Conte added: "Let's not forget that last year they finished ahead of us in the standings and are participating in the Europa League. They're not performing up to their squad's potential, but they're a dangerous team. I hope they can find their footing after the match against us."
Finally, on Napoli's surprising first place, Conte preached calm and concentration: "After 12 matchdays, many teams are within a few points of each other. We're doing well, but so are the others. It's too early to draw conclusions, but we must continue on this path."
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