Serie A: How Napoli soared to the top once again
The Napoli fans have always been a passionate group of people.
This season, that passion has only increased. Occasionally, this passion is rewarded with a successful football team.
Their dreams of watching a vibrant team with flair and skill have become a reality once again. They overcome their rich northern rivals to reach the summit of Italian football once again.
From March onwards, their city has become a scene of constant celebration. The Champions League defeat against AC Milan was annoying but they quickly got over that.
The story is one that is discussed by fans across Europe
Lilly is a Manchester United fan but she moved to Naples in 2014 and has become obsessed with the local fan culture. She said: Almost every neighbourhood is adorned with sky blue and white streamers, flags bearing the faces of Napoli players. This current team means more to them. They feel it represents them in a way that has only been replicated once."
Shaun is from Inverness in Scotland. His upbringing is very different but growing watching Italian football on UK TV in the mid 90s saw him fall in love with the league. He told us: "The history and story of the Napoli and city as a whole is one that I became obsessed. Like many working class areas across Europe, the city of Naples felt the unwanted child of their country. Forced to accept its role as the proverbial "peasant". For Naples, you can also see Manchester, Liverpool or Glasgow. Come on Napoli."
Marlo is a Napoli fan who moved to England in 2015. However, this successful season made him rethink his living arrangements. He decided to take a six month sabbatical and return to Naples until July. He added: "I needed to see history being made. Being from Naples gives you an identity that is not replicated in many places."
These were the scenes as Napoli clinched the title on May 4th
The tweet also provides some wider context to Napoli's story. They've had an incredible journey.
The Napoli story in context:
— Italian Football News 🇮🇹 (@footitalia1) May 5, 2023
2001/02: Relegation to Serie B
2004/05: Bankruptcy, re-founded by De Laurentiis under the name Napoli Soccer
2005/06: Promotion to Serie B, name restored
2007/08: Promotion to Serie A
2011/2013/2019: Win the Coppa Italia
2014/15: Win the SuperCoppa… pic.twitter.com/CKSGWLaQ0H
