The Unexpected Champions: Serie A’s Greatest Underdog Stories | OneFootball

With the mysteries of Italian football come particular legends in the shadows of the Scudetto, where unlikely kings of the league emerged from overwhelming odds. In the grand tapestry of Calcio’s history, these victories are much more than just sporting success: they are a testament to the beauty and unpredictability of football itself.

The Golden Age of Underdogs

The Legend of Hellas Verona (1984-85)

One of the greatest feats of football is Hellas Verona’s one and only Scudetto in the 1984-85 season. Only two seasons after promotion, this provincial side achieved the impossible feat under Osvaldo Bagnoli’s tactical mastery.

That team, featuring Danish striker Preben Elkjær and German midfielder Hans-Peter Briegel, played a brand of defensive football mixed with quick counter-punching that got past traditional powers.

Verona’s victory represented so much more than a mere win on the football field. It happened at a special time when randomised referee assignments shook off the traditional dominance of the big teams. Their tale turned into a playbook for smaller outfits aiming at top-four finishes, proving that tactical flexibility and team spirit can trump financial superiority.

Southern Revolution of Cagliari (1969-70)

Cagliari’s 1969-70 triumph highlighted the seismic shift in the Italian football landscape. With the legendary Gigi Riva, they became the first side from the south to claim the Scudetto, finishing four points clear of Inter. Their meteoric rise to glory, only five seasons after starting their Serie A journey, was more than just sporting success; it was a cultural revolution that undermined the northern hegemony in Italian football.

For Sardinia, the team’s achievement proved the island could be part of the sporting map and changed its perception of being only a tourist destination. It was a triumph that ignited a generation of southern Italian clubs and is a matter of great pride for the people of Sardinia.

The Modern Era

The Golden Generation of Sampdoria (1990-91)

The ascent of Sampdoria to just such glory in 1990-91 ranks as one of the great romantic tales of Serie A history. Although they had performed well in previous years, few expected them to get through the Milan giants. With Roberto Mancini and Gianluca Vialli leading the attack, the team was a pleasure to watch and left an imprint on imaginations throughout Italy. Grab Serie A Tickets to catch the action live.

Their success was based on the perfect combination of youth and experience, while coach Vujadin Boškov excellently managed a group of players such as Attilio Lombardo and Pietro Vierchowod. It was the highest point of their golden age at Sampdoria, and they have never won a Scudetto since.

The Rebirth of Napoli (2022-23)

Napoli’s Scudetto is the stuff of modern fairy tales after a 33-year wait. To top it off, they slammed several records with their title-winning marginal lead — laying their hands on the trophy with five games to spare! Luciano Spalletti’s team played attractive, attacking football that quickly drew comparisons with the Maradona era, while Victor Osimhen’s goals and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s creativity gripped the world’s attention.

Inevitably, this evolution brings with it the tactical innovations made in the face of the crisis.

The key to triumph for these surprise contenders was oftentimes tactical innovation. Speaking of which, everyone always has their own unique flavour to add to the melting pot of Serie A.