Napoli were crowned Serie A champions on Friday after a 2-0 victory over Cagliari sealed their fourth Italian league title, holding off fierce rivals Inter Milan on a dramatic final day of the season.
Goals from Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku at a jubilant Stadio Diego Armando Maradona sparked wild celebrations across Naples, as the home side finished just one point ahead of Inter, who also won 2-0 away to Como.
Inter’s hopes briefly flickered when Stefan de Vrij put them ahead in Como in the 21st minute, temporarily lifting them to the top of the table. But Napoli responded through McTominay, whose stunning volley from a Matteo Politano cross broke the deadlock just before halftime. It was the Scotland international’s 12th goal of an impressive debut Serie A campaign, having joined the club in August to revive a side still reeling from their failed title defence in 2023.
Lukaku then secured Napoli’s triumph five minutes into the second half, muscling past Yerry Mina to finish off Amir Rrahmani’s long pass with a powerful strike that confirmed the Scudetto would remain in Naples.
Though Inter doubled their lead through Joaquin Correa, it was a hollow victory as their fate was already sealed. The visitors had also played much of the match with a man down after veteran goalkeeper Pepe Reina was sent off in his final professional appearance, further dampening any chance of a dramatic comeback in the title race.
The result marks Napoli’s second Serie A title in three seasons and their first under new manager Antonio Conte, who reshaped the squad around fresh talent like McTominay. Conte’s impact has been hailed as transformative, particularly after the club’s disappointing campaign the year before.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan must now regroup for their Champions League final clash with Paris Saint-Germain in Munich next weekend. Having failed to defend their domestic crown and slipped up in key matches—losing twelve points from winning positions—Inter now risk ending the season without silverware despite chasing a historic treble earlier in the campaign.
What you should know
Napoli’s fourth Serie A title caps a remarkable turnaround under Antonio Conte, with Scott McTominay emerging as a breakout star.
While Napoli celebrates, Inter Milan must refocus on their upcoming Champions League final in a last-ditch bid to salvage a trophy from an otherwise frustrating season.
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