Napoli were crowned Italy’s champions on Thursday evening, ending a 33-year wait for a third Serie A title. After a draw on weekend against Salernitana, Luciano Spalletti’s team travelled to Udinese needing only a point to eventually see-off Lazio.
However, Sandi Lavric’s spectacular shot handed Udinese the lead with barely 13 minutes on the clock, putting Napoli in position for another postponement. But Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen equalised in the second half for his 28th goal of the season. Napoli went for the win, but only a point was needed, and the title was sealed.
Jubilant Napoli celebrations on the streets and in the skies
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations in the Dacia Arena’s away end. Sky Blue flags were flown high, with one in particular bearing Diego Maradona’s visage grabbing the attention. As fans rushed the pitch, Spalletti, the architect of Napoli’s eye-catching title bid, sobbed his way down the tunnel. The Napoli team was still besieged by fans, some of whom claimed parts of the turf as mementos.
Players enthusiastically rejoiced with their fans, with some even obtaining costly souvenir jerseys. Piotr Zielinski was photographed in a huddle with admirers while wearing only his shorts, boots, and socks. Fans attempted to remove the Polish midfielder’s shirt, but he appeared desperate to save it as he ran back into the dressing room with several of his colleagues. Osimhen, the star of the night, was among those wearing a scarf around his head.
The striker turned to Instagram to share a live video of the changing room celebrations and photographs of his teammates, while repeatedly repeating the phrase “champions” as he tried to come to grips with what he and his colleagues had accomplished. Mexican winger Hirving Lozano did the same.
Players performed a dance routine on a table in their locker room, some clutching a bottle of champagne. While the celebrations in Udine continued, an even bigger party was taking place across Italy in Naples. Fans had flocked to the club’s home stadium, the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, to see the game.
This is Napoli ??? pic.twitter.com/qfkAEfHp3J
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 4, 2023
The stadium descended into chaos following Osimhen’s opener. Fans sang the striker’s name in celebration of his goal. The last whistle was likewise met with thunderous applause. Flares and smoke bombs were set off across the arena, as fans broke into song to celebrate their title victory. The sky was tinted blue by a massive array of flags.
Maradona was typically featured on a lot of the banners, and there were also numerous Scudetto badges embossed with the number 3 to commemorate Napoli’s now three Serie A titles. Unfortunately, the players were unable to participate in the celebrations, but they will no sure see the photos on social media as they prepare to travel back on Friday.
After Napoli was crowned champions, fireworks lit up the sky across the city, accompanied by a chorus of car horns, and fans took to the streets to celebrate. Of fact, the old city has been preparing for this for some time. Even weeks before their extraordinary title success was sealed, the streets had gradually turned a shade of white and blue. In recent months, the late, great Maradona’s bunting, banners, and murals have become a defining component of the Neopolitan decore.
It remains to be seen whether they remain in place after a night of raucous festivities. There was even time for ex-captain Dries Mertens to join in on the fun. The Belgian had come to Naples with a video on social media showing him donning his previous team’s shirt and joining in on a sing-song.