Prosecutor weighs case against Allegri over tunnel remarks on Roma and referees

Allegri's comments before his press conference after the 3-3 draw could lead to a separate proceeding on top of his red card. Federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chinè was at the Maradona.

by Gennaro SanninoSunday 25 October, 17:06 CET· 8 hours ago

Allegri — Foto: ilnapolista.it

Federal prosecutor Giuseppe Chinè is considering opening a file on Allegri over what the Napoli coach said in the tunnel after the 3-3 draw with Roma. Chinè was at the Maradona on Saturday 24 October.

Napoli let a two-goal lead slip at 18:00 CET. They went ahead twice and were pulled back twice by Balerdi, the second time in the 89th minute.

Allegri spoke in the tunnel before he faced the press. His words were: "Last year they put the Champions League in their pocket. Always them... I paid for it with Milan." It was a swipe at Roma and at referees in general. Allegri had already been sent off from the bench late in the game, at the time of the 3-3 goal. DAZN's refereeing analysis judged Balerdi's goal valid and the red card correct.

There are two separate tracks, as far as we understand. The Giudice Sportivo (the Italian league's disciplinary judge) must rule on the suspension and fine for the sending-off. The FIGC prosecutor's office could wait for that verdict first. It would focus on the tunnel remarks, not the card. Together, the two tracks could add up to a much longer ban than expected.

Roma have already responded. Gasperini called the accusations "unacceptable and serious". The club is waiting to see whether Allegri issues a formal retraction or a public apology in the coming hours. If neither comes, a proceeding becomes almost certain, with heavy sanctions possible for our bench. For now no file has been opened. The prosecutor is only assessing the case.

Here is the uncomfortable part. Napoli are ninth on 11 points. Roma are on 18. The team threw this game away: 2-0, then 3-2, then the equaliser. Allegri himself said recently that we have been caught from ahead too many times. Arguing over who put what in whose pocket, in front of the federal prosecutor, does not answer the question supporters have carried since Saturday: why does it keep happening the same way? The brief is to finish fourth, and the board had tied his position to this very match.

Now we wait to see whether a retraction comes or only silence. Napoli travel to Monza's U-Power Stadium on Wednesday 28 October at 20:45 CET (19:45 UK, 14:45 ET), then face Juventus on Sunday 1 November. Will Allegri be on the bench? The Giudice Sportivo will decide. Napoli cannot afford to chase their coach's words while they still have to fix their defence.