Even though Inter Milan did their part in the final round, their prayers were not answered because of another match’s result.
With different scenarios on the table, the two title contenders played simultaneously on two fields. Inter Milan started strong, scoring early and raising hopes of turning the tide. But Napoli didn’t allow that to happen. Displaying dominant football, Antonio Conte’s team secured the crucial win and began their celebrations.
Napoli had won their first two Serie A titles in club history riding on the shoulders of Maradona. Now, playing at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, they defeated Cagliari 2-0 in the final round on Friday to become league champions for the fourth time.
After Maradona’s era, Napoli had to wait 33 years for another league title. This time, the club celebrated the trophy again just one season later.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan, despite winning their match at Como by the same margin, failed to hold onto the title.
Napoli finished the season with 82 points from 24 wins and 10 draws in 38 matches. Runners-up Inter Milan ended with 81 points.
Napoli could have taken an early lead in the fifth minute. From inside the box, Giacomo Raspadori’s shot grazed the far post. Within five minutes, another great chance was created on the counterattack, but goalkeeper Gilmar made a sharp save.
At the same time, Inter dominated possession and took two shots on target within the first four minutes, though the scoreline remained goalless.
The title race saw a new twist in the 20th minute when Inter took the lead on their third attempt. From Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner, Stefan de Vrij headed the ball into the net, putting last season’s champions on top of the league table.
Before halftime, though, Scott McTominay’s stunning goal changed the standings again.
Napoli locked down their opponents and after missing a few chances, they took the lead in the 42nd minute. Matteo Politano delivered a cross from the right side into the box, and the Scottish midfielder acrobatically volleyed the ball into the net.
A notable incident occurred shortly after in the other match. Inter’s Mehdi Taremi was fouled by Como goalkeeper Pepe Reina, who received a red card. This marked a painful end to the career of the 42-year-old goalkeeper, a World Cup and two-time European Championship winner with Spain, who had announced his retirement after this match. Reina’s career also included spells at Liverpool, Napoli, and Bayern Munich.
Early in the second half, Napoli further brightened their title hopes with another fantastic goal. From near their own sideline, Amir Rrahmani lofted a through ball. Midfield rival Ivorian Yerri Mina challenged for the ball, but Napoli’s striker Lukaku controlled it, outmaneuvered the defender, entered the box, and finished perfectly to double the lead.
At the same time, Inter also found the net, with Argentine forward Joaquin Correa scoring from close range.
But Lukaku’s 14th goal of the season seemed to seal Napoli’s control over the title race. Their wild celebration reflected their dominance.
For the rest of the match, Cagliari couldn’t challenge Napoli’s path. Thus, the title race had no further drama.
Inter Milan, however, still has bigger ambitions. On May 31, they will face PSG in the Champions League final.
