Serie A champions Napoli is the best club in Italy for the first time in 33 years and that will be celebrated in the coming days, weeks and maybe even months in the city of Naples. The explosion of joy after Victor Osimhen’s equalizer against Udinese already gives goosebumps.
Although Napoli played an away game on Thursday, its own Stadio Diego Armando Maradona was packed. More than sixty thousand spectators watched the championship match against Udinese on large screens. Thousands of fans lined the streets outside the stadium.
The supporters had to swallow when Sandi Lovric gave Udinese the lead, but shortly after the break Victor Osimhen equalized the score. The celebration that erupted after that goal was unparalleled.
Emotional Spalletti dedicates Napoli title to deceased brother
Luciano Spalletti is overjoyed after winning the Scudetto with Napoli. After the 1-1 draw against Udinese, the 64-year-old coach could not contain his emotions either.
“To see the Napoli supporters so happy is the most beautiful emotion for me,” Spalletti told DAZN shortly after the game. “It was tough to work towards this moment, because you feel the longing of an entire city on your shoulders. There are people who struggle through difficult moments in their lives, thanks to this moment. Those people deserve this joy,” says the success coach.
“The fact that the Scudetto is now in and we have been able to give it to our supporters, maybe makes me a little more relaxed. They have seen great coaches come and go. They’ve seen Diego Armando Maradona play. Then it’s not easy to say you’re going for the championship, but I said that last summer to get the most out of these players,” Spalletti explained.
The trainer was then asked to whom he dedicated this long-awaited Scudetto. “I dedicate it to the players, who deserve this joy. And of course the supporters, Napoli, this one is for you! I dedicate it to everyone at the club, my staff and Cristiano Giuntoli (sporting director),” said Spalletti.
“I dedicate it to my daughter Matilde and the rest of my family who always support and push me. To my friends and my brother Marcello,” Spalletti concluded with tears in his eyes, when he mentioned the name of his brother who died four years ago.
