Napoli is undoubtedly one of Italy’s best clubs. But the team actually had their real golden years during the late 80s and early 90s, when one of the world’s best players of all time, Diego Maradona, played with the club. After he left, the Neapolitans faced some tough times, but returned to the top division during the 2007/2008 season and have been Series A regulars ever since. The club is known for staying on top with a remarkably offensive style of play, entertaining even the pickiest of spectators. During the last six seasons, Napoli nabbed two second places. Even at their worst, they got fifth place – so maybe they’re well on their way on the road to restore their former glory?
If you have your sights set on visiting Naples or any of the other cities in football Europe, the easiest way is to go through a travel agent specialising in arranging football trips. They can offer you convenient packages with everything you need: game tickets, flights and accommodation nearby. Easy-peasy! If you would rather organise the trip yourself, you can get your tickets at the Napoli website, at the arena entrance or by phone.
SSC Napoli was born in 1926. These days, their home grounds are at Stadio San Paolo, but they have gone through a few a moves – from Arenaccia to Ascarelli and Vomero, before settling at San Paolo in 1959. Napoli is, along with AS Roma, one of two teams who are expected to be able to take the crown from the reigning Juventus, but back in the 80s, they were the top dogs in the game. The club won the A Series in 86/87 and 89/90, and in 86/87, they also brought home the Italian Cup. In 89/90, they won first place in what is now known as the European League, which used to be called the UEFA Cup. And, finally, they also won the Italian Super Cup during the 1990/91 season. With such an illustrious history, the 80s and early 90s were the golden age of Napoli, when Maradona was out on the pitch in full force. These days, the leading stars of the team are Callejón, Insigne, Hamsik, Milik and Mertens.
Napoli has plenty to offer! On top of all the art, design and architecture, you can explore the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. You could also pay a visit to Vesuvius, the volcano that erupted and destroyed both cities. And don’t forget to treat yourself to a ride along the stunning harbour – you won’t get bored of life in Naples.
Are you a fan of Italian football, or up for a slightly different football trip? In that case, you should definitely bear the city of Naples and the Stadio San Paolo in mind for your nest trip! Napoli’s offensive plays, with stars like Hamsik, Insigne, Callejón and more astound and entertain the home crowds again and again. Maybe you and your friend would be the next to experience the incredible fireworks at San Paolo?
When the legendary arena was completed in 1959, it boasted an incredible 109,824 seats. Due to a renovation just before the World Championships in 1990, hosted in Italy, it now holds “just” 60,240 spectators. But it is still Italy’s third largest arena, after San Siro in Milan and the Rome Stadio Olimpico.
Napoli has had en impressive arena as their home turf ever since San Paolo was opened in 1969. Here, the club has celebrated plenty of triumphs, normally in front of a sold-out stadium, like the 2005/2006 season, when Napoli played in the C Division. Despite not being in the top division, San Paolo was the third most visited arena during the season, topped only by A Series AC Milan and Inter.
Other than Napoli’s home games, San Paolo also hosted the World Championships semi-finals between Italy and Argentina in 1990. After a draw of 1-1, the show-down was decided with penalties, and a victory for Argentina.
And who could forget that Diego Maradona himself reigned over San Paolo between 1984 and 1991? Here, he and his team mates celebrated several A Series titles and many more triumphs.
San Paolo is just 8 miles from Naple’s city centre. You can drive to the stadium via the A56, which will take about 35 minutes, and there are toll stations along the way. If you prefer public transport, you can travel from Ferrari’s Stazione Vesuviana to Augusto-Politechno and walking the last 400 yards, which will take about 50 minutes in total.