SSC NAPOLI
Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli is a renowned Italian football club based in Naples, competing in Serie A, Italy’s premier football division. Throughout its history, Napoli has claimed three Serie A titles, six Coppa Italia titles, two Supercoppa Italiana titles, and a UEFA Cup.
Established in 1926 as Associazione Calcio Napoli through the merger of US Internazionale Napoli and Naples Foot-Ball Club, the club initially experienced limited success, securing its first major trophy, the Coppa Italia, in 1962. Napoli’s fortunes improved significantly in the late 1970s, winning another Coppa Italia in 1976, and the 1980s, especially after acquiring Diego Maradona in 1984. Maradona’s presence brought numerous victories, leading to the retirement of his number 10 jersey. During his tenure, Napoli won two league titles (1987, 1990), the 1987 Coppa Italia, the 1990 Supercoppa Italiana, and the 1989 UEFA Cup. After Maradona’s departure, the club faced financial difficulties, multiple relegations, and bankruptcy, but was revived in 2004 by film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis. Under his management, Napoli achieved stability and on-field success, winning the 2005–06 Serie C1, the 2012, 2014, and 2020 Coppa Italia titles, and the 2014 Supercoppa Italiana, culminating in their third league title in 2023.
Napoli has the fourth-largest fan base in Italy by attendance and was the fifth highest-earning football club in Serie A, with $182 million in revenue during the 2017–18 season. In 2018, Forbes valued the club at $379 million, making it the fifth most valuable in Italy. Napoli is also an associate member of the European Club Association.
Since 1959, Napoli has played home games at the Stadio San Paolo, renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after Maradona’s death in 2020. The team traditionally wears sky blue shirts, white shorts, and sky blue socks for home games, and white shirts with either white or sky blue shorts and socks for away games. These colors stem from the merged entities’ kits that formed Napoli’s predecessor Internaples in 1922. Napoli’s main rivals include Juventus, Roma, Inter Milan, and AC Milan, and their anthem is “‘O surdato ‘nnammurato”, a well-known song in the Neapolitan language.
Achievement
Domestic Leagues
- Serie A
- Winners (3): 1986–87, 1989–90, 2022–23
- Serie B
- Winners (2): 1945–46, 1949–50
- Serie C
- Winners (1): 2005–06 (Group B)
- Serie A
- Cups
- Coppa Italia
- Winners (6): 1961–62, 1975–76, 1986–87, 2011–12, 2013–14, 2019–20
- Supercoppa Italiana
- Winners (2): 1990, 2014
- Coppa Italia
European
- UEFA Cup
- Winners (1): 1988–89
- UEFA Cup
Other Titles
- Anglo-Italian League Cup
- Winners (1): 1976
- Coppa delle Alpi
- Winners (1): 1966
- Anglo-Italian League Cup
Notable Player
Diego Maradona
Early Days and Arrival in Naples:
- Diego Maradona, born on October 30, 1960, in Lanús, Argentina, was already a football legend when he joined Napoli.
- His transfer to Napoli in 1984 was a seismic event. The city embraced him with open arms, and the Stadio San Paolo became his theater of magic.
- Maradona’s charisma, skill, and larger-than-life personality made him an instant icon in Naples.
On-Field Brilliance:
- Maradona’s dribbling ability was unparalleled. He glided past defenders as if they were mere obstacles.
- His vision and passing accuracy were extraordinary. He orchestrated Napoli’s attacks, threading through balls and creating chances.
- The “Maradona Spin” (also known as the “360-degree turn”) became his signature move—a mesmerizing pirouette that left opponents bewildered.
- In Serie A, he was a force of nature. His close control, balance, and audacity made him a nightmare for defenders.
1986 World Cup Glory:
- Maradona’s pinnacle moment came during the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. He captained Argentina to victory, scoring five goals and providing five assists.
- His “Hand of God” goal against England in the quarterfinals remains one of the most controversial yet iconic moments in football history.
- The same match featured his “Goal of the Century,” where he dribbled past five English players to score—an immortal highlight reel.
Napoli’s Triumphs:
- Maradona’s impact on Napoli was transformative. In the 1986-87 season, Napoli won their first-ever Serie A title.
- The Coppa Italia also found its way to Naples that season, thanks to Maradona’s brilliance.
- He became Napoli’s talisman, inspiring a generation of fans and players.
Off-Field Challenges:
- Maradona’s life off the pitch was tumultuous. His battles with addiction and personal demons were well-documented.
- Despite the challenges, he remained a beloved figure in Naples. The city forgave his flaws because he gave them joy and pride.
Legacy and Eternal Love:
- Maradona’s legacy extends beyond football. He transcended the sport, becoming a symbol of resilience, passion, and defiance.
- Even after leaving Napoli, he remained in the hearts of Neapolitans. His mural still adorns the streets, and his name echoes in the chants of Napoli fans.
Lorenzo Insigne
Personal Information:
- Full Name: Lorenzo Insigne
- Date of Birth: June 4, 1991
- Place of Birth: Frattamaggiore, Naples, Italy
- Height: 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in)
- Position: Winger
Club Career:
- Insigne began his professional career with Napoli in 2009.
- Serie A Debut: January 24, 2010 (substitute appearance against Livorno).
- Loan Spells: Sent on loan to Cavese, Foggia, and Pescara before returning to Napoli in 2012.
Playing Style:
- Capable of playing on either flank or through the center.
- Known for creativity, speed, technical ability, and accuracy from free-kicks.
International Career:
- Represented Italy at various levels (U20, U21, and senior team).
- Won UEFA Euro 2020 with Italy.