A Historic Day for Napoli
In an electrifying afternoon at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, Napoli secured their fourth Serie A title with a 2-0 victory over Cagliari, capping off the season in style. Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku scored the decisive goals, confirming Partenopei’s dominance in Italy and edging out Inter Milan by just one point in the final standings.
This was a high-pressure match Napoli needed a win to avoid any surprises, as Inter was also winning their game. Antonio Conte’s squad displayed absolute control, with an intense first half and a clinical second half, culminating in an epic stadium celebration.
Below, we break down every key moment, tactical analysis, standings impact, and the match hero who sealed the Scudetto.
📌 First Half: Napoli Dominates, McTominay Breaks the Deadlock
🔵⚪ Team Context
- Napoli (3-5-2): Knew a win would secure the title, fielding Lukaku and Raspadori up front, with McTominay anchoring midfield.
- Cagliari (5-3-2): Already safe from relegation, they set up defensively to contain Napoli’s momentum.
⚽ Key First-Half Moments
- 5’ – Raspadori Hits the Post!
- After a Cagliari defensive error, Giacomo Raspadori received the ball at the edge of the box and fired a dangerous shot, but it whizzed just past the post.
- 10’ – Sherri’s Brilliant Save!
- Matteo Politano crossed to B. Gilmour, whose shot was parried by Alen Sherri. Politano pounced on the rebound but blasted over.
- 39’ – Napoli’s Relentless Pressure!
- After a Politano cross, Sherri punched the ball out, only for L. Spinazzola to unleash two fierce strikes both blocked by desperate Cagliari defending.
- 41’ – GOAL FOR NAPOLI! McTOMINAY! (1-0) ⚽
- Matteo Politano surged down the right and delivered a pinpoint cross to Scott McTominay, who adjusted his body and volleyed home a Haaland-esque stunner, sending the Maradona into raptures!
Halftime: Napoli 1-0 Cagliari
🔥 Second Half: Lukaku Seals the Title, Celebration Begins!
⚡ Napoli Picks Up Where It Left Off
Napoli didn’t let up and doubled their lead just five minutes after the break:
- 51’ – GOAL FOR NAPOLI! LUKAKU! (2-0) ⚽
- Amir Rrahmani launched a long ball to Romelu Lukaku, who outmuscled Yerry Mina, charged forward, and slotted a low shot past Sherri. The Belgian celebrated by ripping off his shirt, earning a yellow card but nothing could dampen the joy.
- 60’ – David Neres Almost Makes It Three!
- The Brazilian substitute, replacing Politano, received a pass from Lukaku in the box and fired a first-time shot, but Sherri denied him with another superb save.
- 75’ – Cagliari’s Lone Threat, Meret Stands Firm
- Alessandro Deiola tried his luck from distance, but Alex Meret comfortably gathered the effort.
Full Time: Napoli 2-0 Cagliari
📊 Standings Impact: Scudetto Confirmed!
- Napoli clinched their 4th Scudetto (1986/87, 1989/90, 2022/23, 2024/25).
- Antonio Conte became the first manager to win Serie A with three different clubs (Juventus, Inter, Napoli).
🔍 Tactical Analysis: How Napoli Won
⚽ Napoli (4-3-3) – High Press & Rapid Transitions
✅ Strengths:
- McTominay as an attacking midfielder, arriving late to finish.
- Lukaku as a physical focal point, holding up play and creating space.
- Rock-solid defense, with Rrahmani and Olivera snuffing out counters.
❌ Weaknesses:
- Struggled to break down Cagliari’s low block early on.
⚽ Cagliari (3-5-2) – Defensive Resilience, Lack of Creativity
✅ Strengths:
- Sherri’s heroic saves.
- Yerry Mina’s crucial clearances.
❌ Weaknesses:
- No attacking response after conceding.
🌟 Man of the Match: Scott McTominay
| Name | Scott McTominay |
|---|---|
| Age | 28 |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Goals | 1 (41’) |
| Shots | 3 (2 on target) |
| Key Passes | 2 |
Why He Decided the Game:
- Scored the opening goal a spectacular volley.
- Orchestrated midfield, dictating tempo and pressing relentlessly.
- Finished the season with 12 goals and 4 assists, among Serie A’s best.
🎯 A Triumph for the Ages
Napoli cemented their status as Italy’s top club with a commanding and emotional victory. The Maradona roared, players celebrated, and Antonio Conte etched his name in history as one of Serie A’s greatest managers.
News cover image by: radarmojokertojawapos.com
