Comprehensive back-to-back defeats in UEFA Europa League Group F – the latest a 3-1 reverse at FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk on matchday three – leave SSC Napoli six points off the summit and in need of a tonic. Delve into the history books, courtesy of club greats Ciro Ferrara and Careca, and no further inspiration is required.
Occasionally on the brink of silverware, the Partenopei's quest for success came to fruition when they captured their first Serie A title in 1987. Two years later, the whole of Europe sat up and took note when they lifted the UEFA Cup, overcoming VfB Stuttgart 5-4 in the two-legged final. Former Brazil forward Careca, who scored twice in the showpiece, attributes that victory to one man – Diego Maradona – whose fame transcends the realms of football in Naples.
"The secret? The secret was Diego Maradona," Careca told UEFA.com. "He was a genius. He produced the spectacular. We had a very strong team with players who were technically very good." Ferrara, a native of Naples who spent a decade of his playing career at the Stadio San Paolo, added: "I was so fortunate to play alongside the best player of all time. It was very emotional to win such a big competition as the UEFA Cup."
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