Munich: Diego Maradona and his fables with Napoli are well known to all. Naples consider the 1986 World Cup winner with Argentina one of their own, even after his death in November last year following a heart attack. The entire footballing world mourned but Naples lost someone of their own.
As the world was busy paying tribute to the legend, Naples-born Lorenzo Insigne did his part in his own way – a tattoo of the legend in his thigh. The 30-year-old has been in terrific form in the ongoing Euro 2020 and played a vital role in Italy’s run in the competition.
Although Insigne’s Maradona tattoo came in last year, many believe the tattoo on his thigh is inspiring Italy’s run this year – scoring twice and assisting others. After topping the group stages, Italy went past Austria and Belgium to set up a semifinal date with Spain. For the record, Italy are on a 32-match unbeaten streak.
Maradona has been a God of football to many and will remain so for centuries. For Insigne, Maradona inspires him whenever he sets foot in the field and that’s what is driving him forward. No doubt, Maradona’s tattoo on Insigne is inspiring the whole Italian squad.
In an interview, Insigne said, “Lionel Messi is the best in the world right now, but I don’t compare him with Maradona because Diego is sacred for everyone from Naples.” Italy are just two wins away from creating history. The last time Italy won the competition was in 1968. They finished runners-up in 2000 and 2012.
Maradona led Napoli to their most celebrated era and soon became the apple of the eye of the people of Naples. Napoli under the leadership of Maradona won their first-ever Serie A title in 1986–87.
The impact of Maradona on the Serie A side has been huge. During Maradona’s presentation at Napoli which was attended by 75 thousand fans decades back, a reporter said, “They (the fans) were convinced that the saviour had arrived.”
