Napoli

Cradled in the vibrant city of Naples, SSC Napoli has been dancing its way through Italian football for almost a century. Its colorful journey through Serie A began in 1926, and it’s a tale filled with passion, glory, and dedication to the beautiful game.

Despite occasional downfalls, including a financial crisis in the early 2000s that led to a temporary drop to the Serie C1 (third tier), Napoli’s resilience is admirable. They bounced back, making a triumphant return to Serie A, just as the Phoenix rises from its ashes. The club’s laurels include two Serie A titles, six Coppa Italia trophies, and two Supercoppa Italiana wins, showcasing its knack for turning trials into triumphs.

Napoli’s March of Heroes

Napoli has been the playground for many football virtuosos, who have left their indelible footprints on the pitch of the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium. Topping that list is Diego Maradona himself, an Argentine magician whose exploits in the mid-80s propelled Napoli to their only two Serie A titles.

Beyond Maradona, Napoli has been graced by football’s finest. Marek Hamšík, the Slovakian stalwart, left Napoli as their all-time top scorer, before exploring Chinese football with Dalian Professional. Edinson Cavani, the clinical Uruguayan striker, enjoyed prolific seasons with Napoli before becoming a hit in Paris Saint-Germain and later Manchester United. And let’s not forget Dries Mertens, a Belgian dynamo, who continued to enthrall fans in Naples after showcasing his prowess in the Dutch Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven.

A Dance with Rivals: Napoli’s Tumultuous Tango

Like any football club worth its salt, Napoli’s history is peppered with thrilling rivalries. The heated “Derby del Sole” with AS Roma, a battle for dominance of southern Italy, has seen its fair share of spectacular showdowns. On the northern front, the club shares a fierce rivalry with Juventus, resulting in some of Serie A’s most nail-biting encounters.

In the international realm, Napoli’s bouts with English Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester City in the Champions League are encounters that fans look forward to. These cross-country clashes are a chance to witness a thrilling clash of styles and strategies.

Maradona Stadium Magic: The Heart of Napoli

Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, the hallowed home of Napoli, is a sight to behold. The emotion that swirls in this 60,000-seat arena is palpable, and there isn’t a bad seat in the house when the Napoli faithful are in full voice.

For budget-conscious fans, tickets in the ‘Curva’ sections, both Superior and Inferior, offer the best value, starting at around €25. These are the areas where you’ll find the most fervent supporters, creating a vibrant, boisterous atmosphere.

Mid-tier pricing can be found in the ‘Tribuna’ sections, with prices typically starting at €45. Here, you’ll get a comfortable view of the pitch, and you’ll be nicely positioned to see the tactical maneuvers unfold.

For those seeking a luxurious experience, the ‘Tribuna d’Onore’ provides plush seats with a fantastic view of the match, and prices usually start from €160. This premium perch is well worth it for the discerning fan who wishes to experience the game in style.

The SSC Napoli journey is an opera, a continuous play of heartache and jubilation, filled with dazzling footwork and unforgettable goals. It’s a testament to the unyielding spirit of the city of Naples, a story written in sweat and determination, playing out on the pitch under the watchful gaze of thousands.

The Story Will Continue

• Post-Maradona Crisis: Following the departure of Diego Maradona in 1991, Napoli faced a major financial crisis that resulted in the club being declared bankrupt in 2004. The club was then re-founded under the name Napoli Soccer and had to restart from Serie C1 (third division). However, they climbed back to Serie A by 2007, showcasing the resilience of the club.
• Name Change: The Stadio San Paolo, Napoli’s home ground since 1959, was officially renamed the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in 2020 as a tribute to the late Argentine legend who greatly influenced the club’s history.
• Fan Base: Napoli has one of the most passionate fan bases in Italy, and the atmosphere during matches at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium is famously intense. The club’s ultra group, known as the ‘Ultras Napoli’, is well-known for its vibrant displays and unwavering support of the team.
• Record Attendance: The record for the highest attendance at a Napoli home game was set in 1980 when 88,764 fans packed into the Stadio San Paolo to watch a UEFA Cup match against Eintracht Frankfurt.
• Highest Transfer Sale: Napoli’s most lucrative player sale was of Gonzalo Higuaín to Juventus in 2016. The €90 million transfer was a record sale for Napoli and one of the highest in football history at the time.
• Famous Owners: The club’s rise back to the top tier of Italian football was largely orchestrated by film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis, who took over the club in 2004 following its bankruptcy. De Laurentiis is a well-known figure in Italian cinema, with numerous successful productions to his name.