Giant murals of Diego Maradona adorn the streets of Naples, a symbol of the intense passion the city feels for its team and its eternal hero. The shadow of Maradona follows everywhere you care to go, a shadow which also hung over the two most thrilling stories of the 2022-23 football season.
First, Argentina won their first World Cup since the genius of Maradona in 1986, then Napoli captured the Serie A title after 33 long years of waiting – their first without Maradona in the side. Maybe it was all written in the stars.
Certainly, there has been magic in the Neapolitan air for many months, an endless mood of joy as Napoli coasted to glory. It was obvious from ten matches out that they would become Italian champions; flags hung from windows day and night, colours were flaunted with pride and cars wildly decorated. Napoli were so good they simply could not fail.
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Going for Gold in Paris- There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
There are plenty of candidates vying for the Olympic gold medal in the women's football tournament this summer
Face to face - Tom Sainfiet- The final goal is to reach the World Cup and write history - The Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer
The well-travelled Belgian coach speaks to World Soccer after taking charge of the Philippines-his 11th international coaching role
Inter cruise to title number 20
Simone Inzaghi's Internazionale shrug off all challengers before sealing the Serie A title in style against their biggest rivals
HAT-TRICK HERO
Ademola Lookman wrote his name into European football's history books with a hat-trick in the Europa League final
GOING UP
The story of Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres' career has been one of upward trajectory - and there's plenty more to come from the Sporting superstar
Palau soldier on alone
The isolated Pacific nation faces a long and lonely battle to improve football on the island
Brazilian clubs eye Copa number six
As the Copa Libertadores group stage concludes, a sixth consecutive Brazilian winner is looking likely
AI Hilal sweep to another Saudi crown
The first edition of the Saudi Pro League's glamorous new era ends with a familiar title winner
Disasters brewing
There is still a long way to go in World Cup qualifying, but dysfunction reigns at Cameroon, Congo and Nigeria after four matchdays in the group stage
Second round of World Cup qualifying underway
Favourites perform largely as expected, yet Cayman Islands dominate the headlines
