Napoli is one of the most fascinating and beloved teams in Italian football. Founded in 1926, it has experienced a history of struggle, rebirth, and unforgettable moments that have forever marked the fans' memories. In this article, we revisit some of the historic Napoli matches that have written indelible pages in the club's history, focusing on great Napoli victories that have defined different eras of the club.
The first Scudetto (1986-87): the feat that changed history
Among the most famous historic matches in the club's history is undoubtedly the 1986-87 season, the season that saw Napoli win its first Scudetto. After years of struggle in Italy's top flight, Diego Armando Maradona's team achieved a historic victory, becoming the first team from Southern Italy to win the national title.
In a season characterized by great consistency, Napoli earned 42 points (two points were awarded for a win at the time) and maintained a top-seeded position throughout the season. Fans erupted in celebration when, with a game to spare, Napoli mathematically clinched the Scudetto, amid the applause of the San Paolo crowd.
That year, the Azzurri not only won the Scudetto, but also the Coppa Italia, achieving a memorable double, a rare and historic feat for an Italian team in those years, sealed by a 4-0 aggregate victory in the final against Atalanta.
The 1989 UEFA Cup: Napoli conquers Europe
One of Napoli's greatest victories was undoubtedly the UEFA Cup triumph in the 1988-89 season, the club's first major international title. In a highly competitive competition, Napoli overcame numerous opponents before reaching the two-legged final against VfB Stuttgart.
The final was played over two legs: Napoli won 2-1 at the San Paolo in front of over 80.000 fans, while in the return leg they managed a 3-3 draw at the Neckarstadion in Stuttgart, enough for a 5-4 aggregate scoreline that handed the cup to Italy.
That victory was not only a sporting success, but also a symbol of the Neapolitan team's European success: the Azzurri became the first Italian team to win the UEFA Cup since Juventus in 1977 and ushered in an era of prestige for Italian teams in international competitions.
The 2014 Italian Cup: a dominated final
Another great Napoli victory worthy of being included among Napoli's historic matches was the Coppa Italia final on May 3, 2014, played at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Napoli faced Fiorentina there and won 3-1, thanks to a convincing performance and a brace from Lorenzo Insigne in the opening minutes.
Despite Gökhan Inler's dismissal in the second half, the Azzurri maintained their lead until the final whistle, with a late goal from Dries Mertens, sealing one of the most important Coppa Italia victories in recent years.
This victory not only added a national title to their list of honours, but also consolidated Napoli's competitive performance in finals, confirming the team's ability to prevail at key moments in Italian competitions.
Naples historic matches
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The matches that made Napoli's history | Napoli's greatest victories
Discover the historic Napoli matches that have marked the history of the blue club: from the 1987 Scudetto to the 1989 UEFA Cup and the 2014 Coppa Italia, the great Napoli victories that have thrilled the fans.
Napoli has always been a key team in Italian football, but there are many matches that haven't been mentioned in this article. It's interesting, however, to see how they've won league titles and cups over the years.