Napoli

SSC Napoli was founded in Naples on August 1, 1926 under the initiative of the industrialist Giorgio Ascarelli.

In the early years of the team its top goal-scorer was the talented Attila Sallustro. His record of 118 goals for Napoli still remains unbeaten.

In 1959 Napoli moves to the modern Stadio San Paolo, which has been the club’s home arena ever since. In the 60s the stars that were shining here were those of Omar Sivori, Dino Zoff, Jose Altafini. The irreplaceable midfielder Antonio Juliano still holds the record of the games played for Napoli: 394.

One of the most remarkable periods in the history of Napoli began in 1984 with the arrival of Diego Maradona. From his very first appearances for the team Diego charmed Naples, causing a full house for every game. What concerns his performance, the most expensive player of the time (Maradona’s transfer from Barcelona cost 12 million dollars) fully justified the high price by making Napoli one of Italy’s top clubs. In 1987 Napoli won its first scudetto, as well as the third Coppa Italia.

Moreover, in 1989 the Napoli of Maradona won the UEFA Cup in the final against the German Stuttgart. After the transfer of the young talent Gianfranco Zola Napoli becomes unstoppable and wins its second scudetto and the Italian Supercup in 1990. However, the glorious era was soon to end with Maradona’s 15-month ban for taking cocaine. In 1998 Napoli left the Italian top division, in addition to being burdened by the huge debt.

The era of new successes began with the coming of the cinema producer Dino De Laurentis as the club president. Led by the coach Walter Mazzari and the talented striker Edinson Cavani (who is probably as popular as Maradona in Naples nowadays), Napoli fought their way to the Champions League in 2011, and achieved a victory in the Coppa Italia final against the Italian champion Juventus, marking its 4th cup success.