Napoli fans erupt as club wins first Serie A title in 33 years

Napoli collected its third Serie A title, and first since 1990, on Thursday. Gli Azzurri only needed a draw against Udinese to clinch the Scudetto. Star striker Victor Osimhen scored in the 52nd minute of the match to secure the vital point for the club. The Italian champions picked up the previously elusive trophy despite the fact that there are still five games remaining on the schedule.

After the match, Osimhen could not contain his excitement over the accomplishment.

“I’m happy for all Napoli fans worldwide,” Osimhen said. “No one deserves the Scudetto more than Neapolitans — more than us. I don’t care who scored, I just wanted to get the Scudetto. I can’t wait to return to Naples and hug the fans. I’m so happy for them.”

Fans flood Napoli city streets in Serie A celebration

Following the victory, Napoli fans inside the city quickly began their celebrations. The club’s supporters flooded the streets to sing, dance, and enjoy the moment. A massive fireworks show was even seen above the entire city.

As the club had not previously won the Italian title in 33 years, some fans have not experienced the triumph. 13-year-old Napoli supporter Edoardo Nappa is one of these fans. “I have been crying. This is a historic moment,” proclaimed Nappa. “To be able to experience this, to live this myself for the first time… it’s magical. It’s a historic moment for Naples.”

Legendary Maradona previously won title with club

The last time Napoli won the Serie A was when they were led by Diego Maradona in the 1980s. The Argentine legend helped guide the club to two Scudettos in four years during their heyday. Along with the two league titles, Maradona also lifted the Coppa Italia and Europa League trophies with Napoli.

Fast forward 33 years and Giovanni Simeone explained that winning the Scudetto as an Argentine is particularly significant. “As an Argentine, one feels a special emotion. Diego [Maradona] is present in all the Neapolitans in the same way that he is with the Argentines,” stated Simeone. “The fans don’t stop reminding me that I’m the first Argentine who has been lucky enough to experience these moments since Diego. It’s very exciting and I’m sure he’s celebrating like all of us.”

Celebrations will extend into the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona at the weekend. While they clinched the title on the road, Napoli are set to play in front of their home crowd on Sunday. The Serie A champs host Fiorentina as 55,000 fans will party before, throughout, and after the match.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.