Napoli goalkeeper Elia Caprile admits the Partenopei would have protested like Juventus, appealing for an indirect free kick from inside the box, but insists Mathías Olivera’s back-pass was not intentional.
Juventus were furious in the second half of a 0-0 home draw against Napoli on Saturday as Caprile collected the ball with his hands inside the box after an Olivera back-pass.
Daniele Doveri ruled that it was not intentional, but DAZN pundit Luca Marelli said Juventus’ protests were legitimate, so the Bianconeri should have been awarded an indirect free kick inside the box.
Caprile breaks silence after referee controversy in Juventus vs Napoli
Caprile, who had made his Napoli debut in the first half replacing the injured Alex Meret, admitted it was a controversial incident but insisted that his teammate’s pass was not intentional.
“We would have protested as well if it had happened to us,” the goalkeeper said at a post-match press conference attended by Football Italia.
“It was a bad first touch, but I came out with good timing to catch the ball.”
Caprile returned to Napoli in the summer after a one-year loan spell at Empoli, where he contributed to the Tuscans’ survival.
“Making my Napoli debut was a great emotion. One must be ready at all times. Of course, I am sorry for Alex, but I am really happy with what me and the team did,” he concluded.