Inter executives are fuming for what happened at the end of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia match versus Juventus and are fully behind their coach Antonio Conte, who was the subject of heavy insults by Andrea Agnelli after the final whistle, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
The gaffer stated in the post-game interview that the Bianconeri were disrespectful and untruthful in recounting what really happened. The outlet indicates that the Milan-based club is unlikely to issue an official statement, but they are extremely bothered by the irritating and arrogant attitude kept by the opposing bench and management throughout the match and also in previous tilts. Leonardo Bonucci also had a squabble with Conte and was heard saying: “Respect the referee.”
The manager was caught doing an obscene gesture toward the adversaries while heading back to the locker room at half-time, according to Inter in response for being berated throughout the first 45 minutes. The publication adds that also directors Fabio Paratici and Gabriele Oriali had a shouting match in the tunnel and that the verbal skirmish continued as the Juventus chairman reached the area, reportedly involving also some players.
Gazzetta says that Conte and Agnelli never fully reconciled after his abrupt departure in the summer of 2014, even though the gaffer was rumored to be in the running to return after the club moved on from Massimiliano Allegri.
The fourth official generally writes down offenses against the referee or footballers, so it is uncertain whether the incident will lead to some form of punishment. The sports judge will assess the matter on Thursday following the second leg of the other semi-finals between Napoli and Atalanta.