Napoli and Genoa enjoy one of the strongest friendships in Serie A. When both sides meet the tifosi from both sides are known for their hospitality towards each other, however it all started with a one of the more murky affairs in Calcio history.

It was 1982, and the 30th and final game of the season. Napoli needed a point to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Genoa were in serious danger of relegation as AC Milan were beating Cesena 3-2. Napoli fans at San Paolo were aware that a Genoa equaliser would send AC Milan to Serie B and keep Genoa in Serie A.

The Neapolitans cheered Genoa on and demanded a Genoa goal, Genoa finally scored through Mario Faccenda at the end of the game to level the scores at 2-2. This goal was highly controversial. The Napoli Goalkeeper at the time Luciano Castellini was seen to throw the ball out of play while trying to pass the ball to a Napoli defender, this resulted in a corner kick to Genoa from which Faccenda scored the important equaliser. This was seen buy some in the Milan camp as a deliberate act by the Napoli keeper. In the end though Napoli got the draw they needed for UEFA Cup action and Genoa remained in Serie A so both sets of supporters were happy with the outcome. But this wasn’t all, the result relegated AC Milan to Serie B…

Because of this day it started a great friendship between the two sides that endures three decades later. Every time the teams meet a carnival atmosphere can be experienced as both sets of fans exchange pleasantries.

Indeed another day would come around in 2007 where both sides and supporters would join together in celebration. Both Napoli and Genoa were occupying second and third spots on in Serie B going into the last day, a point would guarantee both sides promotion to Serie A, a win for either side would mean the loser would probably have to go into a play off with the three sides below them. Both sets of fans were in jubilant mood as they felt the game was a formality…

90 minutes later and with not much football played both Napoli and Genoa celebrated together a promotion to Serie A with a pitch invasion and both sets of players were mobbed by each others fans, a truly memorable occasion. The party would last for hours. These two great clubs and great friends were back in Serie A together.

This weekend Napoli will play Genoa again at Stadio San Paolo. Napoli are on a two game losing streak and will be looking to bounce back. Genoa maybe our best friends but they have not been very generous. Napoli have not beaten Genoa in Serie A since 1995 with a goal from Freddie Rincon, now is the perfect opportunity for Napoli to continue what they been doing all season, breaking taboo’s. If Napoli can beat their friends from the north then automatic qualification for the Champions League is within Napoli’s grasp. If they do so then expect both sets of fans to celebrate the result. Marek Hamsik is in confident mood saying though his official website that Napoli will beat Genoa this weekend. Does he know something we don’t…..?

Napoli Blogger