Salernitana Delays Napoli’s Title Party With Late Draw

Napoli was held to a 1-1 draw by Salernitana on Sunday, missing the opportunity to win Serie A for the first time in 33 years.

With six games left in the season, runaway league leaders Napoli needed to win to clinch their third league title after Inter Milan defeated Lazio, their closest rivals, 3-1 earlier in the day.

Boulaye Dia’s incredible goal six minutes from time, however, ensured Salernitana escaped with a point after Mathias Olivera had given the hosts the lead just after the hour mark. As a result, the eagerly anticipated Scudetto celebration will have to be postponed for at least a few more days.

However the coming midweek round of matches could finally end Napoli’s long wait for glory.

Luciano Spalletti’s team are 18 points ahead of Lazio but Juve can close that gap to 17 by winning at Bologna in Sunday’s late match and moving into second place.

Depending how that match and Juve and Lazio’s games on Wednesday go Napoli could be crowned champions before they take the field at Udinese on Thursday night.

A win in Udine will ensure Napoli’s current stars emulate Diego Maradona, who led southern Italy’s biggest club to their only previous league titles in 1987 and 1990