The Napoli centre-back spoke after a red card against Genoa, yet will still feature in the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Como as Napoli chase another domestic trophy.

The Brazilian suggested referees and technology have not brought clarity, but more confusion, across Italian football. He also connected this climate with the treatment of defenders, saying that tough markers of earlier Serie A seasons would receive frequent suspensions if they played under current interpretations of contact and fouls.

"Ive lived through two different eras, like Daniele De Rossi [Genoa head coach]," said the defender. "Ive 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, thats great, but from what I see, theres a debate about everything: penalties, free kicks, yellow or red cards."

"We know the referee is a human being. Today, I dont see any improvement in anything. Theres nothing but controversy, with us and with any other team. I think weve taken a step backwards instead of forward. Football is played with your feet, not with your hands."

"If every time theres a contact on the attackers foot, even in midfield, it should always be a foul. If it turns into the kind of confusion weve 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, theyd play one match and miss the next." Those names underlined Juan Jesus argument that Serie A once prized strong duels, while present guidelines bring stricter punishment for similar challenges.

The recent flashpoint came in Napoli 3-2 win over Genoa, when Juan Jesus received two yellow cards and was dismissed. It was the second league match in which the Serie A champions had gone down to 10 players since the start of the year, adding another refereeing incident to ongoing debates around the club.

Despite that dismissal, competition rules mean the 34-year-old is cleared for the Coppa Italia. Antonio Conte can select Juan Jesus when Napoli meet Como in the quarter-finals on Tuesday. Napoli already lifted the Supercoppa Italiana in December and now aim to build further success in domestic knockout competitions this season.

Napoli reached the Coppa Italia last eight by overcoming Cagliari on penalties. The tie finished 1-1 after 90 minutes, before Napoli won 9-8 in a long shootout. That progress set up the meeting with Como and maintained hopes of another cup run, even as league matches bring disciplinary setbacks and continuing officiating scrutiny.

Recent seasons show mixed outcomes for Napoli in the Coppa Italia. The club last reached the semi-finals in 2020-21 and last lifted the trophy in the 2019-20 campaign. Conte and the squad now attempt to match those achievements while Juan Jesus comments keep focus on how Serie A refereeing trends affect defenders and overall competition.