Napoli have been crowned Serie A champions for the fourth time in their history, and second time in three seasons, courtesy of a 2-0 win over Cagliari at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Leading 2023-24 winners Inter Milan by one point in the Italian top-flight standings ahead of today’s finale, the Partenopei knew that a victory by any margin would suffice, rendering the Nerazzurri’s result against Como inconsequential.
Napoli were without wily head coach Antonio Conte due to suspension, meaning his trusted assistant Cristian Stellini oversaw operations from the touchline, and his side more than rose to the occasion.
Following relentless pressure in the first half, the hosts’ opener came three minutes shy of the break, as Scott McTominay connected with an inswinging Matteo Politano cross with a magnificent bicycle kick.
The former Manchester United midfielder’s effort was his 12th goal of the season as he continues his special renaissance in Italy, and it was another erstwhile Red Devil who put the seal on the title with an equally exceptional goal.
Six minutes into the second half, Romelu Lukaku displayed his exceptional strength to retain possession after taking the ball down, before jinking into the box with terrific footwork and slotting the ball into the bottom corner.
The party in Naples began long before five minutes of added time were signalled, as Napoli players and staff danced and hugged on the touchline, all itching in anticipation to storm the pitch at full time.
Inter did what they needed to do against Como as Stefan de Vrij and Joaquin Correa netted in a 2-0 win, but their efforts on the night were fruitless as Napoli became champions of Italy for the fourth time after 1986–87, 1989–90 and 2022–23.
While Conte’s men conquered the land, Simone Inzaghi’s side could still conquer the continent, as Inter prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final on May 31.
