Six Unsung Heroes for Napoli in Italian Serie A Triumph

• Napoli are confirmed Italian Serie A champions for the 2022/23 season
• The triumphant Partenopei played at home for the first time after their status as champions was confirmed
• Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia are regarded as the two biggest stars of the team

Napoli recorded a 1-0 victory over Fiorentina as the Serie A champions played for the first time at the Estadio Diego Armando Maradona Stadium since they were confirmed champions.

Victor Osimhen missed one penalty and converted the other to give his team victory as the debate rages on, on who is the star of the team between him and Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

The two are undoubtedly crucial to the team, but there are others. Sports Brief looks at the unsung heroes of Luciano Spalletti’s title-winning squad.

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1. Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

According to The Athletic, the Cameroonian’s loan move from Fulham was made permanent for £14.7m at the beginning of the season. He is an integral part of the midfield, with his work rate and athleticism vital in transitions.

2. Stanislav Lobotka

Anguissa’s partner in midfield, the Slovakian defensive midfielder, was ever-present in the team. He joined from Celta Vigo in 2020 and recently extended his contract till 2027, as reported by Tribal Football.

3. Giovanni Di Lorenzo

The captain coordinated the team from right-back and has missed just a game in the league this season. According to SuperSport, the Euro 2020 winner has scored four goals and provided six assists.

4. Kim Min-Jae

The South Korean centre-half replaced Kalidou Koulibaly, who joined Chelsea and became an instant success, helping the team to victory. According to Goal, Manchester United are willing to pay his £53m release clause to leave Naples after a season.

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5. Piotr Zielinski, Mario Rui

These two were the last surviving players from Napoli’s disappointment of the 2017/18 season under Maurizio Sarri when they lost out to Juventus. They stepped in with contributions to this year’s success.

Maradona’s tribute to Napoli players

Sports Brief reported that Diego Maradona paid tribute to Napoli players after their status as Italian champions were confirmed with the draw against Udinese.

It was the Neapolitans’ first Scudetto since the late Argentine legend led the club to the title in the 1989/90 season, ending a 33-year wait.

An Instagram post was made on his behalf, with graphics listing the names of all the squad members and head coach Luciano Spalletti.