Defending champions Napoli, led by Ottavio Bianchi, looked set to claim back-to-back Serie A titles. Inspired by Diego Maradona, with support from Careca, Andrea Carnevale, and Ciro Ferrara, they led the league for much of the campaign. However, a late collapse in form allowed Arrigo Sacchi’s AC Milan to overtake them, and Napoli finished 2nd. The disappointment was magnified by tensions within the squad, as pressure mounted during the title run-in. In Europe, their European Cup debut ended in the first round against Real Madrid. Despite the heartbreak, the season confirmed Napoli as a major force in Italian football.
