Napoli, three volcanoes

Napoli's dressing room tensions echo a troubled history spanning decades, from Maradona's era through today's squad divisions between Italian and foreign players.

Napoli's current dressing room discord mirrors a long pattern of internal conflict at the club. The article traces tensions from the 1950s through to the present day, highlighting how divisions between players have repeatedly destabilized the squad.

The most detailed example comes from 1985, when newly arrived Maradona clashed with teammates in his first season. After poor results left Napoli near the relegation zone, a punitive retreat was called to Vietri sul Mare on January 4. Maradona initially refused to attend, but captain Bruscolotti mediated and convinced him to join. The two sides met as professionals and agreed a "pact for the Scudetto." Napoli then won seven consecutive matches and climbed to mid-table.

Three years later, after losing to Milan on May 1, 1988—ending hopes of back-to-back titles—the dressing room erupted again. Sixteen players signed a statement of no confidence in coach Ottavio Bianchi. Maradona, unreachable at the time, later said he had known about the problems but believed they should stay private. The club backed Bianchi and sold four players deemed ringleaders: Garella, Giordano, Ferrario and Bagni. Tensions persisted into the summer, with Maradona and Bianchi clashing over the departures until Luciano Moggi brokered peace at Madonna di Campiglio.