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Napoli defender Juan Jesus believes Serie A legends such as Giorgio Chiellini and Lucio would “play one match and miss the next” through suspension if they played in the league today.
The Brazilian centre-back was sent off in Napoli’s 3-2 win over Genoa on Saturday after picking up two yellow cards, the second time the Serie A champions have been reduced to 10 men in a league game since the turn of the year.
Despite his red card, the 34-year-old will still be available for Antonio Conte when Napoli host Como in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals on Tuesday.
Napoli reached the last eight of the competition after beating Cagliari 9-8 on penalties (1-1 after 90 minutes), with the Serie A holders looking to add to their Supercoppa Italiana victory in December.
However, while speaking to Sport Mediaset before their tie against Como, Juan Jesus’ focus was on the level of officiating in Italy.
“I’ve lived through two different eras, like Daniele De Rossi [Genoa head coach],” said the defender.
76 – Juan Jesus is sent off#GenoaNapoli 2-2
— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) February 7, 2026
“I’ve spent 15 years in Italy, even when there was a referee behind the goal line. If there are tools to help referees make fewer mistakes, that’s great, but from what I see, there’s a debate about everything: penalties, free kicks, yellow or red cards.
“We know the referee is a human being. Today, I don’t see any improvement in anything. There’s nothing but controversy, with us and with any other team. I think we’ve taken a step backwards instead of forward.
“Football is played with your feet, not with your hands. If every time there’s a contact on the attacker’s foot, even in midfield, it should always be a foul.
“If it turns into the kind of confusion we’ve been seeing lately, unfortunately, it becomes hard for everyone to remain passionate about football.
“I played in an era with defenders like Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. I had the pleasure to play alongside Walter Samuel, Cristian Chivu and Lucio.
“They were all physical defenders who enjoyed contact. If they played today, they’d play one match and miss the next.”
Napoli have not qualified for the last four of the Coppa Italia since 2020-21, while they last lifted the trophy in the 2019-20 campaign.
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