Napoli ends 33-year wait to win Serie A with skipper paying emotional tribute to Maradona

Star man: Victor Osimhen celebrates his leveller which secured the Serie A title for Napoli. AFP
Star man: Victor Osimhen celebrates his leveller which secured the Serie A title for Napoli. AFP

Napoli ended their 33-year wait for a Serie A title with a 1-1 draw at Udinese, sparking wild celebrations from fans across Italy. 

Victor Osimhen’s 22nd league goal of the season sealed the historic triumph, which comes after a dominant campaign under the guidance of Luciano Spalletti. 

Napoli now have five games to spare and sit 16 points clear of second-placed Lazio. Supporters invaded the pitch after the final whistle, causing tension with home fans. Despite this, the city of Naples is expected to continue partying in celebration of the club’s long-awaited success. 

The title was an emotional one for Napoli, with club icon Diego Maradona leading the team to league glory in 1987 and 1990. Skipper Giovanni Di Lorenzo paid tribute to the Argentine, saying, “To be compared to him, to be the captain after Maradona to lift the Scudetto, I just have no words”. 

Manager Spalletti echoed these sentiments, fighting back tears as he spoke of the joy the victory would bring to the people of Naples.

Osimhen’s title-deciding strike came in the second half, with the Nigeria striker scoring from close range after a corner. Despite looking bereft of ideas in the final third for much of the match, Osimhen proved decisive when it mattered most. His 27th goal of the season sparked a wave of relief and blue smoke from the stands.

The celebrations were not without controversy, with fans invading the pitch at the Dacia Arena in Udine. Napoli’s triumph also prompted home supporters to sing anti-Napoli chants. Nonetheless, the club’s long-suffering fans will be able to enjoy a month-long parade before the end of the season.

Napoli’s victory is a fitting end to a season dominated by Spalletti’s side. The club has been led by Osimhen, who has had the best season of his career and proved key to the team’s historic charge to glory. Despite a slow start, Napoli’s 16-point lead over Lazio is a testament to their resilience and determination. The win also marks the end of a 33-year wait for one of Italian football’s most storied clubs.

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