Napoli clinched its first Serie A title in 33 years after securing a 1-1 draw against Udinese at the Dacia Arena in Udine on Thursday. The win marks Napoli’s third Serie A title, and the first since 1990, when the legendary Diego Maradona led the team to victory. The game’s opening half saw Udinese take the lead with a goal from Sandi Lovric, but Napoli quickly responded with Victor Osimhen’s goal early in the second half.
The equalizer from Serie A’s leading scorer this season was enough to secure the victory and set off jubilant celebrations in both Udine and Napoli. Fans traveled from Naples to Udine in droves, and nearly 11,000 Napoli supporters were present to witness their team make history.
Napoli fans had high hopes that their team would clinch the title on Sunday when they played Salernitana in front of home support, but the game ended in an unexpected draw. Napoli needed only a point from Thursday’s game to win the title, and they came out in the second half determined to achieve it.
The team’s success has been attributed to Osimhen’s outstanding performance this season, with the Nigerian striker scoring his 22nd league goal of the campaign on Thursday. He scored in front of the traveling Napoli fans, who were ecstatic to witness the historic moment.
The celebrations were not limited to Udine; Napoli erupted in excitement with fans flooding the streets and gathering at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti, who became the oldest manager to win Serie A at 64 years old, praised the fans’ dedication and passion for the team.
“Seeing Neapolitans happy is enough to give you a sense of that joy they are feeling,” Spalletti said. “These people will look to this moment when life gets hard, they have every right to celebrate like this. You feel a bit more relaxed knowing that you’ve given them this moment of happiness.”
The draw against Udinese was enough to secure the title for Napoli, and fans ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the players. Videos showed flares being let off and a light show at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona as the city erupted in joy. Napoli’s success this season has been a long time coming, and the team and its fans are relishing the moment.
