Kone complaint over Napoli winner against Roma: ‘Opportune for VAR’

01.12.2025 02:00

Manu Koné believes VAR should’ve allowed the referee to evaluate the incident that led up to the Napoli winner against Roma. ‘It would’ve been opportune.’

The only goal of the game at the Stadio Olimpico was scored by David Neres on a rapid counter-attack.

It was sparked on the edge of the other penalty area when Koné was tackled by Amir Rrahmani, when the referee waved play on and VAR decided not to recommend an On-Field Review.

Koné felt he was fouled before Napoli goal

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: David Neres of Napoli scores his team’s first goal past Mile Svilar of AS Roma during the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I felt contact, I was definitely touched, but the referee took this decision,” Koné told DAZN Italia.

“If nothing else, it would’ve been opportune for the referee to view it again.”

Refereeing pundit Luca Marelli analysed the incident and explained that although Rrahmani did eventually make contact with the Roma midfielder’s boot, he got his toes to the ball first, making it visibly change direction.

It was therefore a clean tackle and did not warrant a VAR review.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Roma 0-1 Napoli

When it came to evaluating the overall performance from Roma, Koné recognised that they struggled to create many scoring opportunities other than a late save on Tommaso Baldanzi.

ROME, ITALY – NOVEMBER 30: Players of AS Roma pose for a team photograph prior to the Serie A match between AS Roma and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico on November 30, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“Pellegrini and Soulé were the players on the field with the most quality in attack, but we were unable to give them the right service this evening.

“Napoli are very strong defensively and they limited our actions. We gave everything we had, but it was not enough.”

Roma have struggled in the big games so far this season, losing the head-to-head battles with Inter, AC Milan and now Napoli, all of them by 1-0 scorelines.