In this file photo taken on March 24, 2023 A mannequin at the effigy of Napoli’s Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen is displayed on March 24, 2023 in the San Gregorio district of Naples, as the city braces up for its potential first Scudetto championship win in 33 years. From narrow streets to balconies, the whole city of Naples is tinged with blue, the colour of its football club which is about to win the Scudetto for the first time since 1990, then with Diego Maradona, who is still revered as a saint today. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
Thousands of joyous Napoli supporters greeted the team early Monday as they returned from their victory over Juventus, which brought the prospect of a historic Serie A title within touching distance.
Fans flew banners and flags and sang songs as the team arrived shortly before 3:00 am (0100 GMT) at Naples-Capodichino Airport from Turin.
Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the two stars of Luciano Spalletti’s team, climbed onto the roof of the team bus to hail the fans below.
After the vehicle carefully navigated its way out of the crowd, it drove into town followed by dozens of scooters.
Napoli’s 1-0 triumph at Juventus on Sunday left them 17 points clear at the top of the table.
To be crowned champions for the first time since 1990 this weekend, Napoli will have to beat regional rivals Salernitana on Saturday, and will need Inter Milan to avoid a home defeat by Lazio on Sunday.
On Sunday, Spalletti warned it wasn’t yet time to start celebrating, noting that “we still have a little way to go”.
AFP
