SSC Napoli, founded in 1926, is one of Italy’s most beloved football clubs. The team has seen its ups and downs, from early struggles and a relegation Serie C, to a glorious period under the legendary Diego Maradona in the 1980s.
Napoli has won numerous trophies, including three Serie A titles, six Coppa Italia titles, and the UEFA Cup in 1989.
Napoli has participated in 75 seasons in the Italy’s top division and has used as home four different stadiums. Let’s have a look at them.
Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia /1926-1930
Let’s start with Napoli’s first home ground, the Stadio Militare dell’Arenaccia. This stadium was used by the team from its founding in 1926 until 1930.
Located in the heart of Naples, it was a modest stadium with limited facilities. The property is owned by the Italian Army and is currently vacant.
Stadio Giorgio Ascarelli /1930-1942
In 1930, Napoli moved to a new stadium, the Stadio Giorgio Ascarelli.
Named after the club’s founder, this stadium had a capacity of around 20,000 spectators. During the 1934 World Cup, it hosted two games.
It was here that Napoli began to establish itself as a force in Italian football. Unfortunately, the stadium was heavily damaged during World War II and was subsequently demolished, but it remains a significant chapter in the club’s story.
Stadio Arturo Collana / 1942-1959
During the war and post-war period, Napoli played at the Stadio Arturo Collana.
This stadium provided a temporary home for the team. It had a smaller capacity than the Stadio Ascarelli as it could hold around 10,000 people.
The Stadio Collana is still in use today, primarily for athletics and amateur sports.
Stadio San Paolo / 1959-today
And now, we arrive at the jewel of Napoli, the Stadio San Paolo, recently renamed Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in honor of the club’s greatest icon.
The stadium, built in 1959, was completely refurbished in 1989 for the 1990 World Cup and again in 2018.
The stadium presently accommodates 55,000 spectators, however in the past, with terraced parts, San Paolo could hold up to around 80,000 people.
