Thanks to Giacomo Raspadori’s late gem versus Juventus and Lazio’s loss against Torino, Napoli gained ground over their closest suitors. They are now 17 points clear of the Biancocelesti with seven matchdays to go. That means that they could clinch it next week. However, they won’t be able to do it on the pitch and will need a little outside help, La Repubblica informs.
First of all, the Partenopei would have to take care of business in the Salernitana tilt Saturday afternoon. The Granata have yet to be defeated since Paulo Sousa took over. Only a win would trigger the title-sealing scenario. Secondly, Inter must slow down Lazio, but a draw would be enough. The combination will be easier in the ensuing midweek round. The Azzurri are two victories, technically five points, away from securing the third title in their history.
The Napoli faithful didn’t wait for the formalities, as the celebrations started right after the Juventus clash. Fans poured onto the streets, and thousands greeted the team at the airport. The squad bus had to push through the cheering crowd to head to the team’s facility. The players joined the party. Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia addressed the supporters from the roof of the vehicle. Fireworks went off all over the city.
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti is the only one left still preaching patience, as he told DAZN.
“We took a very important step toward the Scudetto. We have to wait a little to pop the bottles. In my career, I never traveled on the window seat and always hitch-hiked. They used to mock me for bringing cleats to the bench, but I don’t forget the times when I couldn’t afford them.”
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