Luciano Spalletti is ‘devastated’ by the red card he was shown in Roma–Napoli: ‘Probably even Davide Massa is sorry.’
Both Spalletti and José Mourinho saw red in the match between Roma and Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
The Italian tactician applauded referee Massa for his control of the match after the final whistle and was given his marching orders.
“I immediately want to clarify the red card incident,” Spalletti told DAZN.
“I went to him to say: ‘By the way, well done’, he put it all together and he showed me a red card. I’m devastated, really, and perhaps even Massa is sorry.
Mourinho and Spalletti sent off in Roma vs. Napoli touchline drama
“There couldn’t be any misunderstanding, I remained quiet for the whole game. [Fourt official Massimiliano] Irrati had stayed close to me for the entire game, nobody said a word, I am sorry to be sent off like this.
“To me, Massa officiated really well and we didn’t cause trouble for him.”
Napoli put an end to their eight-game winning streak, but remain unbeaten in Serie A.
They are now on even points with Milan on top of the table.
“Both teams played a great game today,” the coach continued.
“We both tried to win, without losing balance, that’s why there weren’t many chances.
The coach had responded with sarcasm to Roma ultras that blamed him during the game for Francesco Totti’s retirement.
“They referred to me and I only confirmed that it was me, I have amazing memories about this stadium.”
Napoli return to the pitch on Thursday, hosting Bologna at the Stadio Maradona.
They then travel to Salernitana for the Derby della Campania on Sunday, October 31.