Eintracht Frankfurt vs SSC Naples: More than Diego Maradona and pizza

Frankfurt Main – Calcio is a real treat for those who have lost their hearts in football – or as Champions League round of 16 opponents are known. Eintracht Frankfurt vs. SSC. And the city of the current Serie A leaders has much more to offer this season than pizza culture and timeless legend.

The third largest metropolis in Italy (more than three million inhabitants), based only on the number of inhabitants, it is considered the mother city of Pizza Margherita, and in addition to being the cultural center of southern Italy, it has repeatedly negatived. Global headlines due to organized crime and related waste problem.

But in addition to all the historical social problems, there is another parallel world in the birthplace of Carlo Pedersoli (†86), which he probably remembers as Bud Spencer, in which there is always a perfect world – Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli or SSC Naples for short.

In the year In his story that began in 1926, the two-time Italian champion and six-time cup winner has faced all kinds of glamour, glory and adversity.

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After being relegated to the second division and reported back again and again in the first decades, in the mid-1980s an Argentinian who was only 1.65 meters tall had to rekindle the love of the fans at this club. Day increase level.

Diego Armando Maradona († 60) brought unprecedented glory to the southern Italian city when he left FC Barcelona. And the “Hand of God” confirmed the last true high-altitude flight of the “Azuri” to date.

During his time at SSC, Maradona led the club to both league titles (86/87 and 89/90), domestic cup (86/87) and Super Cup (90/91) success, as well as the UEFA Cup. (88/89). Even decades after his departure and death, Maradona and Naples are closely linked.

In the year After the death of the world champion in 1986, the celebrated “Stadio San Paolo” was quickly renamed “Stadio Diego Armando Maradona” – a golden statue also commemorates one of the most talented and at the same time most controversial footballers in the history of football.

Following a temporary relegation due to bankruptcy, the proud Neapolitans returned to the top flight of Italian football in the 2006/07 season – condemned to relegation at the same time as reigning champions Juventus Turin.

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While there is always the occasional football highlight, like Gonzalo Higuain (34) or Edinson Cavani (35), SSC 2022 looks like the big names will want to play for the title – and be able to.

After 13 games in the league, they are six points ahead of last year’s champions AC Milan and ten points clear of league leaders Juve. With Pep Guardiola (51) – Luciano Spalletti (63) – – but also probably the most beautiful bald man confirmed at the Premier League level.

In a group of four players with Liverpool FC, Ajax Amsterdam and Glasgow Rangers, Napoli dropped three points on the last day of the match at Anfield (0: 2), adding an emotional 4: 1 to Jurgen Klopp’s team (55). Day One – Applause.

It will be especially important for the team around SGE coach Oliver Glasner (48) at the “Estadio Diego Maradona” not to be completely under the wheels. Because the background noise and spirit can scare away the best players in football, like Victor Osimhen (23) or Chavitcha Kvarazchelia (21).

So it should come as no surprise that Eintracht fans are happy that the round of 16 doesn’t start until next February, with the southern Italians hoping to dip into – perhaps World Cup-related – form.

Mostly, though, there’s a lot of enthusiasm on social media for an opponent who likes and admires football as much as you do.

Sporting director Marcus Croce (42) described the Neapolitans as an uncharacteristically “difficult” but expected opponent. However, he confidently emphasized, “We will do everything to advance to the next round.”

In order to achieve this great goal, Eintracht must not forget one thing: Naples is much bigger than Margherita and Maradona!