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Today, 8 years ago, Napoli visited Sampdoria for the 38th matchday of Serie A 2016/17. A decisive challenge for the second place, looking at Roma.

There was a time when the battle for second place was a duel between Napoli and Roma. At that time, whoever finished third had to go through the Champions League qualifiers instead of the group stage.

In the 2015/16 season, everything was decided in the end, with the Azzurri securing the second spot by defeating Frosinone. The victory of Roma at San Siro against Milan was futile.

A year later, history repeated itself: Roma was second with a +1 lead over Napoli in third place. Waiting for the two teams on the final matchday were the two Genoa teams.

Sampdoria-Napoli, May 28, 2017

MAURIZIO SARRI PENSIEROSO ( PHOTO BY SALVATORE FORNELLI )

Roma hosts Genoa to close the Champions League discussion in Totti’s last match in the yellow and red. Meanwhile, the Azzurri visit Sampdoria to keep believing in direct access to the group stage.

Right from the start, Genoa takes the lead at the Olimpico after 3 minutes with a goal from the very young Pietro Pellegri. The Genoese advantage, however, doesn’t last long as the usual Edin Dzeko equalizes (10′).

Meanwhile, the Partenopei unleash their attack and score first with Mertens (36′), followed by a wonder goal from Insigne (42′). With Roma drawing 1-1, Sarri’s team would make it to the Champions League group stage.

In the second half, the Partenopei continue to attack and score a third goal with Hamsik after 4 minutes. The doriani then shorten the gap with the former Quagliarella (50′). The Azzurri then score a fourth goal through Callejon (65′), while Roma-Genoa is still tied at 1-1.

In the last 20 minutes at the Olimpico, everything happens: the Giallorossi turn it around with De Rossi (74′), securing a spot in the Champions League group stage. However, just 5 minutes later, Genoa equalizes through Darko Lazovic. Upon hearing the news, Napoli fans at Marassi explode with joy.

But in the ninetieth minute, Roma takes the lead again with a goal from Diego Perotti for a final score of 3-2. Roma qualifies for the Champions League group stage, while Napoli settles for the qualifiers. Meanwhile, another goal from the home team, scored by former Inter player Ricky Alvarez, seals a 2-4 victory at Marassi.

And so concludes a crazy Champions League battle, with Spalletti’s team making it to the group stage and Sarri’s team heading to the qualifiers.