Author: Soorya G
In the three games prior to this match, the Neapolitans drew twice and beat Juve 1-0 (and were also eliminated in the quarter-finals of the Champions League). But the continued drop in performance was no obstacle, as Napoli were crowned Serie A champions after a draw with Udinese. Five rounds before the end of the championship, the leader has distanced himself from second place by 16 points.
The league leaders went ahead and equalized after Slovenian midfielder Sandi Lovric scored for the hosts in the first minutes of the first half. Serie A top scorer Victor Osimhen equalized in the second half to secure a draw for his side, which was enough to crown Luciano Spalletti’s men as Napoli won the Serie A title after more than three decades. Napoli last won the Serie A title in 1990, during Argentinian legend Diego Maradona’s tenure at the club. Maradona was also part of the Napoli team that won the Serie A title in 1987.
“Seeing Neapolitans happy is enough to give you a sense of the joy they are feeling. These people will remember this moment when life gets tough, they have every right to celebrate like this. You feel a little more relaxed, knowing that you have given them this moment of happiness” said Luciano Spalletti, delighted after his team was confirmed as league champions.
Long-time Napoli fans were thrilled after the victory, which came after a long period of decline and financial ruin. During his difficult period, the team was twice relegated to Serie C, where it played until 2006. Although the team won the Coppa Italia on several occasions, the league title eluded them for decades. The team came very close to winning Serie A under current Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri, but were beaten by Juventus on every occasion. Between 2015/16 and 2018/19, Napoli were one of the best teams in the league, collecting 82, 86, 91 and 79 points, but they failed to lift the trophy.
“It’s an incredible feeling, we’ve waited so many years for this moment. Being able to hand the Scudetto to the Neapolitans is something we’ll never forget and that will live on in our hearts for the rest of our lives” said Osimhen after Napoli’s victory.