The atmosphere at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona reached a fever pitch on Saturday as Napoli secured a vital 3-1 victory over title rivals Inter Milan, but the contest was marred by an explosive touchline dispute between Napoli coach Antonio Conte and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez.
According to reports from GOAL and other Italian media, the ugly spat occurred around the hour mark (the 61st minute), following a skirmish that initially broke out between the players.
As tensions escalated to the respective benches, Inter captain Martinez and his former manager, Conte, began exchanging insults.
Martinez, who played under Conte during the Italian’s time at Inter, was reportedly seen pointing at the Napoli coach and shouting: “You are sh**** yourself.”** Conte was quick to fire back at the Argentine forward, allegedly replying:
“Wrap your laughing gear around this.”The incident, captured by television cameras, became the major talking point of a tense Serie A fixture that saw Napoli climb to the top of the league table.
Although the match officials eventually calmed the situation, the verbal confrontation between the two high-profile figures highlighted the intense rivalry and pressure of the clash.
The exchange marks the second time the pair have publicly clashed, having previously argued during their time together at Inter.