TIME MACHINE: NAPOLI v AC MILAN

1988, 1992, 1996. Following the same rhythm as the Olympic Games in Seoul, Barcelona, and Atlanta, Naples invariably hosted a decisive match that would determine a new Rossoneri Scudetto. The first time, it was a 3-2 victory, overturning Maradona’s Napoli, with a double from Virdis and a goal from van Basten, defended over the next two rounds. The second, a draw with a goal from Rijkaard, secured the title arithmetically. The third, we relive together, as we approach a new Napoli v AC Milan clash.

Since April 14, 1996, almost exactly 30 years have passed. Fabio Capello’s AC Milan, in its first season without van Basten, welcomed Baggio and Weah, Ballon d’Or winners in ’93 and ’95. Yet it would be a defender who decided the most crucial match of the season. Christian Panucci played alongside Costacurta, Baresi, and Maldini. With Desailly providing protection, they formed the defensive line that would concede the fewest goals in Serie A that year (24). It was Panucci, in the 13th minute of the first half, who capitalised on a Baggio corner to slot the ball past Taglialatela on the run. It was only the second goal that Napoli had conceded at home since January. It was also Panucci’s fourth goal of the season; he would finish with five. Napoli’s attempts to equalize proved futile: Taglialatela was lucky to see a shot from substitute Donadoni hit the post, and brilliant in preventing Policano, another defender, from scoring, this time into the wrong net.

AC Milan, at the top of the table since the first matchday, claimed three points that left their pursuers gasping. Even at the final whistle, the defenders kept pushing forward. The ever-confident Panucci claimed there was only a 0.01% chance of any surprises. Costacurta recalled that some had already started creating chants to celebrate the title. Capello brought everyone back down to earth: “Until the math proves us right, I stay focused.” The math would arrive two rounds later, with a 3-1 win over Fiorentina, this time decided by the forwards—Savićević, Baggio, and Simone. AC Milan lifted the 15th Scudetto in their history, the fourth in five seasons. The final triumph of Capello’s Invincibles, who would fly to Madrid that summer.

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