Napoli captured an unforgettable third Serie A crown as their rivals collapsed in a season punctuated by another scandal involving Italy’s biggest club. Counted out as also-rans after losing a clutch of key players, Luciano Spalletti’s team wasted no time in building a substantial lead and ultimately sauntered to an astonishing first Scudetto in 33 years.
Title favourites Milan and Inter were unable to match their fine Champions League showings as they stuttered badly in domestic football, while Juventus were plagued by controversy off the field. The Bianconeri were deducted points for financial irregularities connected to the inflated value of player transfers, only to have them restored on appeal and then partially taken away again. Amid the chaos elsewhere, Napoli emerged as clear and deserved winners.
Captain Lorenzo Insigne, defensive stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly, iconic forward Dries Mertens and midfielder Fabian Ruiz all departed the Partenopei before the campaign.
Replacements Kim Min-jae, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Giacomo Raspadori and Giovanni Simeone were not expected to elevate Napoli beyond a Champions League berth. After
