A true popular party erupted in Naples last night, when the final whistle had sounded and Napoli had officially won the national title. It was immediately clear that club legend Maradona was far from forgotten.
“Our older supporters have seen Diego Maradona play football, but then they had to wait 33 years,” said an emotional Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti. “I always promised them to get the most out of this selection. Fortunately, that worked out quite well.”
Maradona’s ex-wife, Claudia Villafane, also made herself heard. On Instagram, she shared a photo of a blue sky and the words “Naples champion of Italy” and “you are celebrating no doubt, the sky is also celebrating”, referring to the club legend who passed away in 2020, who led Napoli to the first two championships.
A message was also posted on Maradona’s Instagram page to celebrate the national title. “A new date to remember, a new impetus for the city, for the people and for history.”
This championship, unlike those in 1987 and 1990, could not be hung on one player. For example, Victor Osimhen is the current top scorer in Serie A and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is the player with the most assists to his name.
“I am happy for all Napoli fans worldwide,” said Osimhen, who scored Napoli’s only goal against Napoli yesterday. “No one deserves the title more than the Neapolitans, more than us. I really didn’t care who would score, I just wanted the scudetto.”
“I will remember this moment fondly for the rest of my life. When the season is over, I will start thinking about my further dreams.” Osimhen made no secret of the fact that he would like to play in the Premier League one day.
Revenge
Former players also made themselves heard. “This is the revenge of the last few times, of those who never give up. A fantastic group that deserved the championship,” said former captain Lorenzo Insigne. “I am close to you with my heart.”
Silvio Berlusconi complimented the brand new national champion from the hospital. “A partying city, a city that deserved it,” read the Twitter account of Berlusconi, who has been Prime Minister of Italy three times and owned AC Milan for several years.
“The Neapolitans really deserved it, we are all with them. And I also say from the heart that I have always considered myself a Neapolitan born in Milan.”
The players will fly back to Naples today and will undoubtedly be given a festive welcome.
- First national title since 1990 (and Maradona) creates a popular party in Naples
- With art and flying, Lazio postpones Napoli’s title party for a while
- Overwhelmed by nerves, Napoli misses out on an excellent chance for the national title
