By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s goal scoring machine Victor Osimhen’s second half crucial goal ensured that Napoli grabbed a Serie A title after 33 years.
That was after the Naples forced resilient Udinese to a 1-1 draw on Thursday night.
The History In Glory
Napoli last won the league in 1990 with a Diego Maradona-inspired side adding to their first title three years earlier, as captured by BBC.
Napoli’s previous two titles came in the days of Argentina legend Maradona – who their stadium is now named after – in 1987 and 1990.
Following those glory days, the club fell into financial decline, relegation and bankruptcy; playing in Serie C as recently as 2006.
They have won the Coppa Italia three times in the past 11 seasons, but it is the Scudetto the Napoli fans craved.
They now have a new cast of superstars, with Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen scoring 21 goals in 26 league games and Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia contributing 12 goals and 10 assists.
At 64 boss Luciano Spalletti, who twice won the Coppa Italia with Roma, becomes the oldest manager to win Serie A.
His team had the chance to lift the title with six games to spare last weekend, but could only draw with local rivals Salernitana.
But with a 16-point advantage over second-placed Lazio, their third Serie A title is now confirmed.
How The Title Was Finally Decided
Sandi Lovric gave Udinese the lead in the 13th minute.
Osimhen restored parity for Napoli just after the restart for his 22nd goal of the season.
Osimhen’s Factor As Fans Jubilate
The 24-year-old is now the highest scoring African player in the Serie A, beating Samuel Eto’o’s record of 21.
Osimhen has been a key player for the Italian side this season, leading their title charge with series of match-winning performances.
Afterwards, supporters streamed onto the pitch at the Dacia Arena to celebrate after a season dominated by Luciano Spalletti’s side, creating moments of tension with home fans not happy at such open partying on their ground.
It certainly made no difference for the Naples as they were all over Osimhen who led them to a historic party.
