And Vesuvius erupted at 10:35 p.m. After its 1-1 draw against Udinese on Thursday evening, an entire city was finally able to celebrate the Holy Grail, 33 years later. They were also 55,000 gathered at the Maradona stadium to follow the coronation of their team from a distance. Throughout the night, the images of jubilation multiplied, symbol of a passionate city, crazy about football. A look back at a historic season driven by several strong men.
Victor Osimhen, the serial goalscorer
After two good first seasons in the south of Italy, the most expensive player in the history of Naples (70 million euros) has completely made his transfer profitable this season, exploding all the counters. With 22 goals and four assists in 25 matches played, the Nigerian is on the way to becoming the first African “capocannoniere” (top scorer) in Naples and Serie A. ‘Udinese, giving his club the point they needed to win the title definitively. Accompanied by his most faithful lieutenant, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the former Lille player has developed his palette to become an unstoppable attacker in front of the cages thanks to his heading game and his movements.
And with such performances, Victor Osimhen has become a demigod in Naples. Cakes are sold with his effigy, with his famous mask and his blond dye. The Neapolitan striker had even posed with it, to pay tribute to his most loyal supporters, even if he could leave Naples this summer. Courted by PSG to strengthen its attack, the former LOSC player will be one of the major players in the summer transfer window.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Georgian magician
It is certainly the main craftsman of this coronation with Osimhen. Author of 12 goals and 10 assists in Serie A, the Georgian has completely exploded this season, driving all of Italy crazy. A growing popularity translated by the nickname “Kvadona”, contraction of Kvaratskhelia and Maradona, absolute legend of the club, by the transalpine newspapers. “I know what Diego represents for the Neapolitans and, therefore, it is a huge responsibility for me”, had notably blown the main interested party during his presentation.
And if Khvicha Kvaratskhelia panics football fans so much it is mainly thanks to his shimmering game. Endowed with great technical finesse, the number 77 often makes differences on his left side, starting in endless series of dribbles. Under contract until 2027, the new idol of the Campanians is not ready to leave, even if she has never hidden her desire to one day wear the Real Madrid jersey, like her idol Guti.
Kim Min-jae, the surprise
Let’s be clear, before exploding this season, he was unknown to the battalion except perhaps for regular Football Manager or Turkish football fans. Arrived from Fenerbahçe for around 20 million euros this summer, the Korean defender had the difficult task of making people forget Kalidou Koulibaly, who left for Chelsea at the start of the season. And it’s done. Imperial in his interventions, he is currently one of the best in his position in Serie A and has become essential in the Neapolitan defense (31 matches played out of 32 possible).
His performances amazed Luciano Spalletti, so much so that the Italian technician called him “the best defender in the world” at a press conference. This summer, many rumors send the Korean to the biggest clubs in the world, including PSG. To see if he will stay to continue his beautiful love story with the Neapolitans.
Stanislav Lobotka, the centerpiece
He is the man in the shadow of Napoli. Alongside Zambo-Anguissa and Zielinski, the former Celta Vigo player has become the centerpiece of the Neapolitan club. Positioned as a defensive midfielder, the Slovak with fine technique articulates the game of his team and recovers an incalculable number of balls. And his way of playing is reminiscent of that of Andrés Iniesta according to his coach.
Indeed, Luciano Spalletti, questioned about his player, had dared to compare with the Spanish genius: “I saw Andrés Iniesta play and Stanislav Lobotka looks like him. He is truly amazing. It seems easy to catch, but when it starts to accelerate, it’s impossible. We saw it on his goal which is of extraordinary quality and lucidity. The principal concerned will appreciate.
Luciano Spalletti, the architect
Considered in Italy as a loser because he had never won Serie A (he was vice-champion four times with Roma), the 64-year-old technician finally gets his revenge. Remaining close to his principles with his fast forward and direct game, the Italian coach is the main builder of this historic season and has succeeded in transforming Naples into a veritable war machine. Best attack in Serie A with 14 goals more than the second, second best defense in the championship behind Lazio, 26 wins in 32 games, the numbers are enough to make you dizzy.
And if Luciano Spalletti did the job in Italy, he also amazed in Europe, where he had a historic journey, since the Neapolitans qualified for the first time in their history for the quarter-finals.
