ITALIAN DREAM

Napoli fans storm pitch after draw clinches first Serie A title in 33 YEARS – and first since great team of Maradona

Dylan Terry

Published: 21:38, 4 May 2023
Updated: 23:52, 4 May 2023

NAPOLI are Serie A champions for the first time since 1990.

Luciano Spalletti's men needed just a point away at Udinese on Thursday evening to seal the title.

Victor Osimhen scored Napoli's equaliser against Udinese — Victor Osimhen scored Napoli's equaliser against UdineseCredit: Getty

The draw clinched the Serie A title for Luciano Spalletti's men — The draw clinched the Serie A title for Luciano Spalletti's menCredit: Reuters

The Napoli fans stormed the pitch at full-time — The Napoli fans stormed the pitch at full-timeCredit: Getty

Napoli have not been Italian champions since 1990 — Napoli have not been Italian champions since 1990Credit: Getty

It is Napoli's first title since the days of Diego Maradona — It is Napoli's first title since the days of Diego MaradonaCredit: Getty

Manager Spalletti was mobbed on the pitch — Manager Spalletti was mobbed on the pitchCredit: Getty

The police were forced to calm the celebrations down — The police were forced to calm the celebrations downCredit: Getty

The streets of Naples broke out in celebration — The streets of Naples broke out in celebrationCredit: EPA

Flares were set off following the triumph — Flares were set off following the triumphCredit: Reuters

Chaotic scenes ensued as Napoli fans broke down in tears — Chaotic scenes ensued as Napoli fans broke down in tearsCredit: Reuters

Carnage ensued in Naples after the title win — Carnage ensued in Naples after the title winCredit: Getty

And that's exactly what they managed as Victor Osimhen's second-half equaliser ended their 33-year wait for a scudetto.

The travelling fans stormed the pitch at the final whistle as an outpouring of emotion ensued from players, coaches and fans.

But the scenes did turn a little out of hand when police were forced to storm the field to calm supporters down.

One man was even seen whipping another with his belt as emotions boiled over.

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One man could be seen whipping another with a belt — One man could be seen whipping another with a beltCredit: AFP

There were some unsavoury scenes on the field — There were some unsavoury scenes on the fieldCredit: Reuters

Police clashed with fans at full-time as fans came onto the field — Police clashed with fans at full-time as fans came onto the fieldCredit: Reuters

Napoli fans were in ecstatic mood at their title triumph — Napoli fans were in ecstatic mood at their title triumphCredit: AFP

The players received a hero's reception from the supporters — The players received a hero's reception from the supportersCredit: Getty

It marked a momentous night for the Naples side — It marked a momentous night for the Naples sideCredit: Getty

Napoli's previous Serie A title came when Diego Maradona captained them to a second title in four seasons in 1990.

But they have eased to the crown in 2023 with five games to spare.

Their point against Udinese takes them 16 clear of second-place Lazio after 33 matches.

They have lost just three times and averaged more than two goals per game.

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Napoli missed the chance to clinch the title in front of their home fans on Sunday when they were held to a 1-1 draw against Salernitana.

And it looked as though they may be made to wait even longer when Sandi Lovric put Udinese in front after 13 minutes.

But Napoli scrambled their way level seven minutes into the second half through Osimhen - who now has 27 goals in all competitions this season.

And that is how it stayed until the final whistle when the jubilant scenes began for everyone associated with the Naples outfit.

It is the third league title in Napoli's history after the two Maradona won within the space of four years.

It is also the first time since 2001 that a team outside of Juventus, AC Milan or Inter Milan have been crowned Italian champions.

The Napoli players were over the moon at full-time — The Napoli players were over the moon at full-timeCredit: EPA

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