Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has launched an attack on the match officials after their defeat to Fiorentina on Saturday.
 

The hosts were leading 1-0 when Ezequiel Lavezzi appeared to be tripped in the box by Felipe, but the referee waved play on and they went on to lose 3-1.

“I saw that penalty incident and cannot criticise my lads for anything,” said De Laurentiis after their first home defeat of the campaign.

“If the spot-kick was given and it went to 2-0, Fiorentina would’ve been cast adrift and the game was there for the taking.

“Fiorentina have important players and they took their chances because of that talent. This is what referees are in the sport and either we accept this system or we don’t. If you don’t accept it, then all you can do is sell the club.

“If I take part in this tournament, it means I must accept the rules, whether they are right or not. I could protest calmly in another arena, but I know it would be pointless. This sport is run by people whose mentality is hundreds of years out of date.”