This article will tell you about the 10 greatest players in Napoli history
S.S.C Napoli, founded in 1926, is one of greatest Italian clubs of all time. It has won two Serie A titles, five Coppa Italia titles, and one Supercoppa Italiana title.
The club has also competed in European competitions since the 1960s. They won the UEFA Cup in 1989 and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1990-91.
Napoli has a long-standing rivalry with fellow Neapolitan side SSC Lazio, and the two sides contest the Derby del Sole.
The club has been home to some of the greatest players in football history. Let’s know about the 10 greatest Napoli players ever.
Napoli’s Greatests
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time and his time at Napoli is no exception. He joined the club in 1984 and immediately made an impact and them to their first ever Serie A title in 1986-87.
He was also instrumental in helping them win the UEFA Cup in 1989 and two more Serie A titles in 1987-88 and 1989-90. Maradona was a talismanic figure for Napoli, scoring 115 goals in 259 appearances for the club.
His dribbling ability, vision, passing range and sheer determination made him a fan favourite at the Stadio San Paolo. He was also known for his off-field antics which endeared him to the Neapolitan faithful even more.
Maradona’s legacy at Napoli will never be forgotten and he will always be remembered as one of their greatest ever players.
Careca
Careca was a Brazilian forward who joined Napoli from Sao Paulo in 1987. He quickly established himself as one of the most feared strikers in Italy.
Careca scored an impressive 91 goals in just over 200 appearances for the club. His pace, skill and eye for goal made him a nightmare for defenders to deal with. He formed a formidable partnership with Diego Maradona during his time at Napoli.
The Brazilian helped Napoli win two Serie A titles (1987-88 & 1989-90) as well as the UEFA Cup (1989). He left Napoli in 1992 but his legacy lives on to this day as one of their greatest ever players.
Ciro Ferrara
Ciro Ferrara is widely regarded as one of the best defenders to have ever played for Napoli. He joined them from Juventus in 1990 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club over 11 years.
He won three Serie A titles (1986-87, 1987-88 & 1989-90) as well as two Coppa Italia trophies (1991 & 1992). Ferrara was known for his defensive prowess but also had an eye for goal.
Ciro scored 15 times during his time at Napoli including some memorable strikes against rivals such as Roma and Lazio. His leadership qualities were also invaluable to the team and he captained them during their most successful period in history.
Giuseppe Bruscolotti
Giuseppe Bruscolotti played an integral role during Napoli’s most successful period between 1984 and 1990. Bruscolotti joined from Roma in 1984 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club over 11 years.
He won three Serie A titles (1986-87, 1987-88 & 1989-90) as well as two Coppa Italia trophies (1991 & 1992). Bruscolotti was known for his tough tackling style but also had an eye for goal.
His leadership qualities were also invaluable to the team and he captained them during their most successful period in history.
Bruno Giordano
Bruno Giordano played an integral role during their most successful period between 1984 and 1990. He joined the club from Roma in 1984 and went on to make over 300 appearances for the club over 11 years.
He won three Serie A titles (1986-87, 1987-88 & 1989-90 ) as well as two Coppa Italia trophies (1991 & 1992). Bruno was known for his:
- Creative flair
- Technical ability
- Dribbling skills
- Passing range
- Vision
- Intelligence
- Set piece delivery
- Long range shots, and
- Work rate
Giordano scored some memorable goals throughout his career including some crucial ones against rivals such as Roma , Juventus & Inter Milan.
His leadership qualities were also invaluable to the team which saw him captain them during their most successful period .
Salvatore Bagni
Salvatore Bagni played an integral role during their most successful period between 1984-1990. He joined from Sampdoria in 1985 after being part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup winning squad.
During his time with Napoli, Bagni made over 250 appearances helping them win three Serie A titles (1986-87, 1987-88 & 1989-90). He also won two Coppa Italia trophies (1991&1992 ).
Bagni was known for being a hardworking midfielder who could break up play effectively while still having enough quality going forward to create chances or score goals himself.
His leadership qualities were also invaluable which saw him captain them during their most successful period.
Antonio Juliano
Antonio Juliano played an integral role during their most successful period between 1984-1990. He joined the club from Udinese after being part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup winning squad.
He scored twice against Brazil including a stunning free kick that sealed victory. During his time with Napoli, he made over 250 appearances helping them win three Serie A titles along with two Coppa Italia trophies.
Also Read: 10 Greatest Players In AC Milan History
Juliano was known for being a creative midfielder who could pick out passes that no other player could see. His leadership qualities were also invaluable which saw him captain them during their most successful period.
Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola played an integral role during their most successful period between 1984–1990. He won three Serie A titles along with two Coppa Italia trophies with the club.
Zola joined from Parma after being part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup winning squad. He scored twice against Brazil including a stunning strike that sealed victory.
During his time with Napoli, he made over 250 appearances helping them become one of Europe’s top teams. He had a number of abilities including his work rate that made him one of best players world football has ever seen.