SERIE A
Napoli close in on famous Scudetto: what do they need to win Serie A?
Luciano Spalletti’s side were denied by a late goal on Sunday but could be crowned champions on Wednesday.
Napoli are on the brink of a historic Serie A triumph and could be crowned champions later today if rivals Lazio drop points.
After a three-decade wait the city of Naples is braced for a title celebration with Luciano Spalletti’s side dominating the Italian league this season. Ahead of the midweek fixtures Napoli were 18 points ahead of their nearest competition, with just six games to play.
If second-place Lazio fail to beat Sassuolo on Wednesday, Napoli will be crowned champions.
Alternatively, even if Lazio get a win Napoli need just one more point from their remaining six fixtures to get them over the line. Napoli travel to Udinese on Thursday.
For months Napoli have been the closing in on a historic third-ever title and the portside city of Naples has turned blue in preparation for the celebration. Murals have been painted, banners have been hung, and Napoli chants can now be heard across the city.
Spalletti wants to start a “winning cycle”
Napoli have only been crowned Italian champions on two occasions, both coming during Diego Maradona’s spell at the club from 1984 to 1992. Maradona is worshipped in Naples and Napoli’s stadium was renamed in his honour after his death in 2020.
Last Sunday Napoli had a chance to wrap up the title on home turf by beating Salernitana. However a late equaliser from the visitors denied the Naples crowd the chance to witness history being made.
“We were sorry to see the disappointment of our fans,” Spalletti said after the game. “We feed on their happiness, but the stadium made us understand the milestone we are achieving.”
He continued: “It’s what I dreamt of when I came here. The stadium was as I expected, with scarves, flags and kids painted in Blue.”
Spalletti insisted that this season’s impending triumph does not have to be the peak of this team’s success. Last summer the club moved on from a number of established stars like Kalidou Koulibaly, Dries Mertens and Lorenzo Insigne and have found greater success with their replacements. Napoli can now look to build on the achievements of this young team.
“I see the potential to open a winning cycle,” Spalletti said. “Then, it will depend on the market and the things we’ll organise. I have a great team and a perspective that can allow us to build on these results.”