In the 1980s Serie A landscape dominated by giants like Juventus, Milan, and Inter, Napoli’s 1986-87 season stood out as a watershed moment. Then, in 1984, something unexpected happened. A little club from the south, Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli, or just Napoli, made a bold move, signing a player who would change everything: Diego Armando Maradona.
Maradona was not just any player; he was a legend, a rockstar, a magician with the ball at his feet. His arrival in Naples was met with a mixture of excitement and disbelief. Could this tiny southern club, with no major trophies in its cabinet, really challenge the established order with a single player, no matter how talented? The expectations were sky-high, the pressure immense, but for the passionate fans of Napoli, hope had finally sprung.
Rise of the Underdogs
Before Maradona’s arrival, Napoli resembled a footballing Cinderella, forever relegated to the shadows of their more illustrious northern counterparts. Their trophy cabinet remained bare, and facing the likes of Juventus, Milan, and Inter often resulted in disappointment. Their best league finish was second place in 1968, a distant memory by the time Maradona landed in Naples. In the last five seasons leading up to the championship, fourth place in 1981-82 and third place in 1985-86 were their best results. In other intervening seasons, the fans watched a Napoli that had difficulty even entering the top ten. These numbers painted a bleak picture of a club struggling to compete at the highest level, yearning for a change in fortunes.
Maradona’s arrival was not just a transfer; it was a cultural phenomenon. They called him their “El Pibe de Oro” (The Golden Boy), who promised to deliver them from footballing obscurity. His impact transcended the pitch. He became a symbol of hope and defiance for a city often overlooked, inspiring a fervent belief that anything was possible.
On the field, Maradona was a transformative force. His leadership qualities were undeniable, uniting the team and instilling a winning mentality. His technical mastery was a sight to behold. He weaved through defenders with ease, his passes finding teammates with pinpoint accuracy, and his goals were a combination of audacious skill and clinical finishing. His presence elevated the entire team’s playing style. Napoli, previously known for their cautious approach, embraced a more attacking, possession-based philosophy, built around utilizing Maradona’s creative genius.
However, Maradona was not a one-man show. The club had also made shrewd acquisitions to complement his brilliance. Careca, a powerful Brazilian striker, formed a potent attacking partnership with Maradona, while Bruno Giordano, a crafty forward, added depth and experience to the front line. These signings, combined with the existing talent in the squad, provided the perfect platform for Maradona to orchestrate his magic.
A Season of Triumph
A Rollercoaster Ride to the Scudetto
The 1986-87 Serie A season was a rollercoaster ride for Napoli, culminating in their historic Scudetto triumph. Their journey began with a good start, winning already three of their first five games. However, a crucial 3-1 victory over Juventus in November proved to be a turning point. An away draw against Milan in December 1986, a 3-1 away win over Udinese in February 1987 in which Maradona scored twice, and several other important games were signs of Napoli’s inching closer to victory.
Despite these victories, the road to glory was not smooth. Injuries plagued key players and the pressure of leading the title race mounted with each passing week. Teams like Juventus and Inter, who respectively finished just two and three points behind, Milan, and Roma remained persistent threats, pushing Napoli to their limits.
The final stretch of the season saw Napoli display their true grit. They finished only with two losses in their last 16 games (eight wins, two losses, six draws), securing their first-ever Scudetto. This remarkable feat showcased their collective spirit, tactical adaptability, and the undeniable influence of individual brilliance.
The Brilliant Mind of Ottavio Bianchi
Coach Ottavio Bianchi recognized the need for a tactical approach that would not only harness Maradona’s unique talent but also ensure collective strength and adaptability. He allowed Maradona to roam freely across the attacking midfield, dropping deep to receive the ball and initiate attacks with his unrivaled vision and passing. He was also free to exploit his electrifying pace and dribbling skills in advanced positions, taking on defenders and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. By tailoring their approach to capitalize on Maradona’s strengths while maintaining a balanced and adaptable structure, Napoli created a winning formula that propelled them to their historic Scudetto triumph.
Iconic Moments of the Season
Beyond the crucial victories highlighted earlier, Napoli’s 1986-87 season was adorned with iconic moments that solidified their legendary journey.
- The perseverance shown against reigning champions: During Napoli’s 1986-87 season, they showcased perseverance by defeating reigning champions Juventus twice. The first victory occurred on November 9, 1986, with a 3-1 win at the Comunale Stadium, followed by a 2-1 triumph on March 29, 1987, at the San Paolo Stadium.
- Players’ impact: While Diego Maradona was undoubtedly a star player and a top scorer with ten goals, it is important to acknowledge the significant contributions of other players like Andrea Carnevale with eight goals and Bruno Giordano with six goals. They also were Napoli’s top scorers in the 1986-87 season, playing a crucial role in their championship win.
- Defensive solidity: While much attention was rightfully given to Napoli’s attacking prowess led by Diego Maradona, their defensive solidity was equally instrumental in their championship triumph. Under the leadership of coach Ottavio Bianchi, Napoli boasted one of the stingiest defenses in Serie A during the 1986-87 season, conceding only 21 goals in 30 league matches. The defensive partnership of Ciro Ferrara and Salvatore Bagni, along with the assured goalkeeping of Claudio Garella, provided the foundation for Napoli’s success, ensuring crucial clean sheets and vital points throughout the campaign.
- Napoli’s Scudetto celebrations: Witnessing their team lift the Scudetto for the first time, the streets of Naples erupted in celebration. Thousands of ecstatic fans adorned in blue and white poured into the streets, singing, dancing, and celebrating their long-awaited triumph. These vibrant scenes encapsulated the city’s deep connection with the team and the emotional significance of their historic achievement.
These moments, etched in the collective memory of Napoli fans and football enthusiasts alike, serve as testaments to the team’s brilliance, resilience, and the transformative power of football to ignite passion and create enduring memories.
Maradona’s Magic and Legacy
Maradona was not just the heart and soul of Napoli; he was their engine, their maestro, their unstoppable force. His dribbling skills were mesmerizing, leaving defenders in his wake as he weaved through crowded penalty areas. His vision was unparalleled, threading passes through the tightest spaces to find his teammates in scoring positions. And when it came to goalscoring, he possessed a clinical touch, whether it was a powerful long-range strike or a delicate finish inside the box. Napoli’s 1986-87 season was a masterclass in individual brilliance by Maradona. He racked up ten goals and four assists in 29 league appearances, leading the league in both key passes and dribbles completed per game.
Beyond the statistics, Maradona’s impact transcended the game. His success with Napoli ignited a sense of pride and identity for the city of Naples and southern Italy, a region often overshadowed by the economic and social disparities in the country. This victory represented a triumph of the underdog, a symbol of hope and defiance for a community yearning for recognition.
Maradona and Napoli’s 1986-87 Scudetto win left an indelible mark on Italian football history. It proved that even a team from the south could challenge the established order, inspiring future generations of players and fans. It remains a testament to the transformative power of football, showcasing how a single player, his talent, and his unwavering spirit can rewrite narratives and ignite a passion that transcends the game itself.
From Scudetto Glory to Enduring Legacy
Napoli, founded in 1926, endured its darkest hour in 2004 when financial turmoil led to bankruptcy, relegating the club to Serie B and then Serie C. It was a somber period for one of Europe’s footballing giants in a city renowned for its fervent football culture.
Yet, from the depths of despair emerged a resurgent force. Today, Napoli are not just a standout team in Italy, they are a global powerhouse, capturing the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide.
In a poignant tribute to the late Diego Maradona, the iconic stadium was renamed “Stadio Diego Armando Maradona” in December 2020, honoring the club legend’s profound impact after his death in November of that year.
Securing their third league championship in history in the 2022-23 season marked a triumphant return to the summit of Italian football after 33 years. It was a milestone achievement for Napoli, whose previous league triumphs came in 1986-87 and 1989-90. This victory also marked coach Luciano Spalletti‘s first Serie A championship.
Despite his midfield role, Maradona’s scoring prowess was unparalleled, topping Serie A’s goal charts in 1987–88 with 15 goals and netting a total of 115 goals for Napoli, a record eventually surpassed by Marek Hamšík in 2017.
Today, Napoli’s leading goal scorers, including Dries Mertens, Lorenzo Insigne, Marek Hamšík, and the legendary Diego Maradona, continue to etch their names into the club’s illustrious history, exemplifying the enduring spirit of Napoli’s footballing legacy.