Soccer-Naples paints the town blue for first Scudetto since Maradona era

A man stands on a balcony decorated with a Naples Scudetto flag in the Sanita quarters as Naples paints the town for its potential first Scudetto championship win in 33 years, in Naples, Italy, March 23, 2023. REUTERS/Yara Nardi

NAPLES, Italy (Reuters) - The face of a young Diego Armando Maradona gazes down from a mural in Naples' Miracles Square, watching the city gear up for a celebration it hasn't enjoyed since the Argentine soccer star was at his peak more than 30 years ago.

Miracles for Neapolitans, who grew up in a city steeped in mysticism and superstition, are happening on the pitch, as their team cruise towards a third Serie A triumph and prepares for their first ever quarter-final in the Champions League.