Napoli vs Barcelona November 2016 Champions League

Lore & Background

The club was formed in 1926 as Associazione Calcio Napoli following the merger of US Internazionale Napoli and Naples Foot-Ball Club. Napoli won their first major trophy in the 1962 Coppa Italia. The club enjoyed increased success in the 1970s and 1980s, winning the 1976 Coppa Italia and reaching new heights following the arrival of Diego Maradona in 1984. During his time with Napoli, the club won their first two league titles, in 1987 and 1990, as well as the 1987 Coppa Italia, the 1990 Supercoppa Italiana, and the 1989 UEFA Cup—their only European trophy. Following Maradona's departure in 1991, Napoli struggled financially, endured relegations and a bankruptcy prior to being re-founded in 2004 by film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis. Napoli returned to Serie A three years later, and have since won three Coppe Italia (2012, 2014, and 2020), two Supercoppe Italiane (2014 and 2025–26), and two Serie A titles (2023 and 2025).

In Their Own Story

The second leg began under a cauldron of flares and anthems in March 2019. Despite a 1-0 deficit from Camp Nou, the San Paolo erupted within minutes when Lorenzo Insigne curled home an early equalizer. The stadium held its breath as Barcelona pressed for a late winner; Lionel Messi found the net in stoppage time, sparking panic. Yet, Dries Mertens and Marek Hamšík had already secured the victory with clinical finishes that sealed a 3-1 triumph (4-2 on aggregate). It was more than a win—it was a statement of arrival for Sarri’s Napoli.

Reader's Guide

Napoli traditionally wear sky blue shirts, white shorts, and sky blue socks at home and white shirts, white or sky blue shorts, and white or sky blue socks away. Since 1959, the club has played its home games at the Stadio San Paolo, renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona following his death in 2020. Napoli have rivalries with Juventus, Roma (Derby del Sole), Internazionale, AC Milan and Salernitana (Derby of Campania). The club's anthem is 'Napoli' by Nino D'Angelo.

Did You Know?

• Napoli has the fourth-largest fan base in Italy by attendance.
• Forbes estimated Napoli to be worth $379 million in 2018, making them the fifth most-valuable club in Italy.
• Napoli are one of the associate members of the European Club Association.