Napoli won the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years, setting off wild celebrations in their home city of Naples following their 1-1 draw with Udinese at Dacia Arena.
The Napoleons last won the league in 1990 during the era of late Argentine star Diego Maradona.
After Sandi Lovric had given Udinese an unexpected lead in the 52nd minute, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen slammed home an equalizer.
With five matches remaining, Napoli managed to maintain the point they required to win their third Serie A championship.
Napoli put an end to three decades of Serie A drought
The two Serie A titles won by Napoli in 1987 and 1990, were recorded during the reign of Argentina superstar Maradona, in whose honor their stadium is now named.
The last time Napoli won the Serie A title was in 1990.
After those heydays, the team experienced financial collapse, relegation, and bankruptcy; they last competed in Serie C in 2006.
Although they have had three Coppa Italia victories in the last 11 years, the Scudetto was what Napoli supporters wanted.
They now have a fresh cast of superstars, including Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has 12 goals and 10 assists, and Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen, who has 22 goals in 27 league appearances.
With two Coppa Italia victories with Roma, 64-year-old coach Luciano Spalletti, becomes the oldest manager to win the Serie A.
Meanwhile, last weekend, Napoli had the chance to win the championship with six games remaining, but they were only able to draw with Salernitana, a close rival.
But their third Serie A championship is now assured thanks to a 16-point lead over Lazio in second place with five games to go.
Victor Osimhen’s Leveler Sparked Wild Celebrations
Their tough game against Udinese was essentially a footnote.
Prior to packing the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona to watch a webcast of the match, Napoli supporters had been having a good time in Naples all day.
Over 10,000 fans made the trip up north to support their team in Udine, but after 13 minutes Lovric stunned the crowd into silence by giving the hosts plenty of room in the box and curling the ball in front.
When Lovric scored early on, Napoli’s hopes of winning their first domestic championship since 1990 appeared to be dwindling.
They only needed a draw to accomplish their dream.
Napoli labored in the first half, but after the break, Osimhen found the back of the net after Kvaratskhelia had forced Udinese goalkeeper Marco Silvestri into a fine save.
Napoli played a masterful game management after grabbing the lead, keeping their opponents at a distance.
The 24-year-old Osimhen has now scored the most goals in a single Serie A season in African history.
With 22 goals, he has also surpassed Samuel Eto’o’s record for the most goals by an African player in a single Serie A season.
Osimhen told DAZN, “It is an amazing feeling; we have waited so long for this.”
“We won’t soon forget being able to give the Scudetto to the Neapolitans; it will remain a memorable experience in our hearts for the rest of our lives.”
Napoli fans ignite parties in a wild celebration
When the match ended, Napoli supporters ran onto the field, igniting parties in both Udine and Naples.
Napoli manager, Luciano Spalletti commented on the wild celebrations held by Napoli fans.
He told DAZN:”Seeing Neapolitans happy is enough to give you a sense of that joy they are feeling.”
“These people have every right to celebrate like way because they will remember this time when things are difficult.
“Now that you’ve given them this moment of joy, you feel a little more at ease.”
Certainly, the Napoli fans will give their Serie A triumph a lengthy celebration.
Napoli players weren’t left out of the celebration
The players were undoubtedly delighted in their trip back to Naples. They performed songs and danced in the locker room as they finally fulfill their dream of winning the Serie A title.
The aura emanating from the celebration suggest that the party for the Serie A triumph had been planned for a while.
The club’s first Scudetto in 33 years could not be dampened, despite coach Luciano Spalletti’s repeated attempts to emphasize that there was still some work to be done.
What’s Next for the Napoleons?
Serie A champions Napoli will play Fiorentina on Sunday, May 7 inside Diego Armando Maradona. Kick-off time is 5pm.
