It was the final league match of the season. Although Napoli were just one point ahead of their rival, the title was not yet guaranteed. They had to win this last game at all costs. Even the smallest mistake could shatter their dreams. In such a situation, just playing well isn’t enough — you need a bit of something miraculous. And when the team is Napoli, that miraculous force is undoubtedly Diego Maradona.
Football equations may exist on one side, but on the other, there is the legendary Maradona-Napoli duo. Maradona is even considered one of Napoli’s three symbols, alongside pizza and football. But imagining Napoli’s football without Maradona is impossible. So, in truth, Napoli’s true symbols are two pizzas and Maradona.
Napoli’s walls, billboards, houses, and shops — all are soaked in Maradona’s spirit. On a heavenly night like this, could Maradona be absent from the field? Of course not. He was there last night — both in the stands and on the pitch. The question is, how could someone who passed away in November 2020 be present on the field yesterday?
Those who watched the match live in the stadium, on TV, or by any other means surely felt Maradona’s presence — at least twice. The first time, he returned through Scott McTominay, and the second time, through Romelu Lukaku.
Last night, Serie A’s title contenders Inter Milan and Napoli played simultaneously. Napoli would be champions if they won against Cagliari, no matter what else happened. But they could not afford to drop points, because if they did and Inter won their match, the trophy would go to Inter.
After Inter took the lead within the first 20 minutes, tension filled Napoli. The team tried desperately to score several times but failed repeatedly. Just when it seemed impossible, the entire stadium fell silent in awe of Maradona-like magic through Scott McTominay.
When Politano crossed the ball, McTominay was tightly marked by a defender and surrounded by three others from Cagliari. Scoring under those circumstances needed a bit of Maradona’s magic — and McTominay delivered.
With no space to control the ball, McTominay floated his body after Politano’s cross, evading the defender, and barely touching the ball with his foot. The ball changed direction instantly and landed in the net, putting Napoli back ahead of Inter in the points table.
The second goal, scored by Lukaku, also had a hint of Maradona’s magic. When Amir Rrahmani sent the ball from near their own area, Lukaku was deep in his half. The two contested control of the ball. Lukaku skillfully cut past one opponent and perfectly placed the ball in the net without letting the other defender get close.
These two goals in some way brought Maradona back to mind. Yes, he may not have been the unstoppable miracle himself, but his shadow was surely there, and everyone would agree. These goals essentially sealed Napoli’s fourth league title overall, and their second in three seasons.
That’s the story on the pitch. Off the pitch, in the stands and throughout the city, yesterday was bathed in Maradona’s spirit. Napoli fans had started their celebrations even before the match began, chanting songs and slogans dedicated to Maradona. After the title was secured, both players and fans celebrated in many ways, reminding everyone that Maradona and Napoli are inseparable and eternal.
