Have Napoli Lost a Game? Unpacking the Ups and Downs of the Italian Champions
Yes, Napoli has indeed lost games. While their recent dominance in Italian football might suggest otherwise, no team, not even the reigning champions, is immune to defeat. Their remarkable 2022/23 season saw them clinch the Serie A title, but it was not a flawless campaign. They experienced losses along the way and have had further defeats since their title win. Understanding the context of these defeats provides a deeper appreciation of the team’s journey and resilience.
Napoli’s Defeats: A Look at the 2022/23 Season
Napoli’s triumphant 2022/23 Serie A season saw them amass a staggering 90 points from 38 matches. However, this remarkable achievement wasn’t without its setbacks. In total, they lost 4 matches, showcasing that even the best teams can stumble. This demonstrates that while they are a powerful force, they are not invincible. They won 28 matches and drew 6, displaying their overall dominance.
Beyond the 2022/23 Season
Looking back further in their history, Napoli have experienced significantly larger defeats. These include historical losses, emphasizing the variability in a club’s performance over time. Their two largest recorded defeats are:
- Torino 11–0 Napoli (Divisione Nazionale, 4 March 1928)
- Roma 8–0 Napoli (Serie A, 29 March 1959)
These historical losses are a stark contrast to their recent form, highlighting the club’s transformation and progress.
Current Form and Recent Results
While Napoli’s recent form has been a mixture of results, they currently hold 4th position in the Serie A table, indicating ongoing competitiveness. Their home form is average with 2 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses. Contrasting this, their away form is considered excellent, boasting 3 wins, 2 draws, and 0 losses. This highlights a team that performs better on the road, which shows their tactical adaptability and mental strength. Currently, they have won 50% of their matches, a solid but not invincible record.
FAQs: Answering Your Questions About Napoli
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Napoli to further clarify their performance and historical context:
How many times has Napoli won the Serie A title?
Napoli has won the Serie A title three times, with victories in 1986/87, 1989/90, and most recently, in the 2022/23 season. This makes them a significant team in Italian football history.
When did Napoli last win the Serie A before 2023?
Before their 2023 triumph, Napoli’s last Serie A victory was in 1990, led by the legendary Diego Maradona. This recent win broke a 33-year title drought.
What other titles has Napoli won?
Apart from three Serie A titles, Napoli has also won six Coppa Italia titles, two Supercoppa Italiana titles, and one UEFA Cup (now known as the Europa League), making them a decorated club.
How many goals did Diego Maradona score for Napoli?
Diego Maradona scored a total of 115 goals for Napoli during his time at the club. He remains an iconic figure in their history.
Who is Napoli’s all-time leading goal scorer?
As of 2023, Dries Mertens is Napoli’s all-time top scorer with 148 goals. He left the club in 2022.
What is Napoli’s winning percentage per match in Serie A?
Currently, Napoli’s winning percentage stands at 50%, reflecting a solid but not perfect season performance so far.
What is Napoli’s home and away form like?
Napoli’s home form is average, while their away form is considered excellent, showing a dichotomy in performance.
Who are Napoli’s biggest rivals?
Napoli has several rivalries, including the Derby del Sole against Roma, the Derby of Southern Italy with Catanzaro, and the Derby Mezzogiorno with Bari.
Why is the club called Napoli?
The name Napoli comes from its Greek name Neapolis, meaning “new city”. This reflects the city’s history as a Greek colony.
Did Maradona ever play for Napoli?
Yes, Diego Maradona played for Napoli from 1984 to 1991, during which time he led them to their first two Serie A titles. His time at Napoli is considered the club’s golden age.
When did Maradona win the Serie A with Napoli?
Maradona led Napoli to Serie A titles in 1987 and 1990, cementing his legendary status with the club.
What title did Napoli just win?
Napoli recently won the 2022/23 Serie A title, their first in 33 years. This victory marked the end of a long wait for the Scudetto.
Is Napoli bigger than Roma?
Naples is the third-largest city in Italy, following Rome and Milan, with a population of 909,048 within city limits as of 2022. However, the footballing rivalry is strong and has its own historic weight.
Is Napoli in debt?
While Napoli did sign loans in 2021/22, their net financial debt is positive. This means their assets exceed their liabilities, making them a relatively healthy club financially.
Why are Napoli not in FIFA?
Napoli, along with Roma, Atalanta, and Lazio, is not fully licensed in FIFA 23 due to exclusive agreements with rival game eFootball. They are therefore listed under different names.
Conclusion: A Team of Ups and Downs
While Napoli has indeed lost games, these losses are part of the natural ebb and flow of football. Their recent history showcases not only their triumphs, such as winning the Serie A title after 33 years, but also their ability to rebound from setbacks. Despite the occasional defeat, Napoli remains a formidable force in Italian and European football, driven by passionate support and a history of iconic players and significant achievements. Understanding these details of their performance helps paint a complete picture of this historic and complex football club.