Empoli boss, Zanetti questions soft penalty over foul on Osimhen

EMPOLI, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 12: Paolo Zanetti manager of Empoli FC looks on during the Serie A match between Empoli FC and AS Roma at Stadio Carlo Castellani on September 12, 2022 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Empoli manager, Paolo Zanetti cut a disappointed figure after Napoli were awarded a controversial penalty in Tuesday night’s Serie A clash.

The Tuscans put up a brave fight but eventually lost 2-O to the hosts.

Zanetti’s side held on firmly at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium until the 69th minute when Napoli were awarded a penalty following Razvan Martin’s foul on Victor Osimhen.

Substitute Hirving Lozano slotted the penalty into the net, while another substitute, Piotr Zielinski netted the second two minutes from time.

“I prefer not to talk about the penalty, it was extremely soft,” Zanetti told DAZN.

“The contact didn’t seem anywhere near enough for a spot-kick. That’s the way the referee saw it, so we can’t do anything about that.”

Napoli are now eight points clear of defending champions AC Milan with 38 points from 14 matches following the win.

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