PANISH giants, Napoli won their third Serie A title, and their first in 33 years, on Thursday, May 4, after a 1-1 draw at Udinese, giving the Naples side an unassailable lead in the standings.
Napoli’s victory ended the city’s long wait for the Scudetto since Argentine great Diego Maradona led them to two championships in 1986/1987 and 1989/1990.
A second-half goal by Nigerian international, Victor Osimhen, secured Napoli the title with five games remaining in the season.
“I am overwhelmed right now. It’s an amazing feeling. We’ve waited so many years for this moment, and to be able to deliver the Scudetto to the Neapolitans is something we will never forget,” Osimhen told reporters.
Napoli have 80 points, securing their position at the top of the table, followed by Lazio, who also have five games left to play, but are 16 points behind Napoli.
Visiting supporters at the capacity Stadio Friuli held aloft banners adorned with the image of the late Maradona, eagerly anticipating the long-coveted Scudetto.
Sandi Lovric dampened the spirits of Napoli fans when he scored the opening goal after 13 minutes with a well-placed shot that found the top-right corner of goal.
After Udinese’s goal, Napoli stepped up their attack and in the 53rd minute, Osimhen sparked jubilant celebrations among the visiting fans when he fired in the equaliser from a rebound.
Udinese goalkeeper, Marco Silvestri, pulled off a save to block Piotr Zielinski’s half-volley, keeping the scoreline at 1-1 and prolonging the jitters of the Napoli fans.
As the final whistle blew, Napoli supporters rushed onto the pitch to celebrate the momentous occasion alongside the players.
Napoli’s point man, Osimhen, has by that goal equalled George Weah’s record for the highest African goalscorer in Serie A after notching his 46th goal for Napoli.
The goal, which is his 22nd in the league this season, also saw him equal Samuel Eto’o’s record for the Most Goals Scored by an African Player in a Single Serie A Season.
He scored against Udinese on Thursday night to help Napoli secure a 1-1 draw and also equal the Liberian record in the Serie A.
Napoli came into the game needing only a draw to be crowned Italian champions, but found themselves behind in the 13th minute after Sandi Lovric put the hosts in front.
Osimhen netted the title-sealing equalizer in the 52nd minute, causing the Napolitan fans to bounce in the Friuli.
