Napoli’s story is one of soaring highs and painful lows, a saga of brilliance and redemption. But when fans ask “has Napoli ever been relegated?”, they’re not just looking for a yes or no—they want context, scars and revival. In this article, CantoKick will guide you through Napoli’s tumultuous history: the relegations, the financial collapse, and the rise back to glory, while weaving in the key facts and statistics every fan craves.
Early Years And The First Relegation
Founded in 1926, Napoli gradually worked its way into the top tiers of Italian football. But like many clubs in the early decades, instability was part of the journey. Napoli first dropped, it marked the beginning of a roller-coaster path for Napoli.
The Dark Period: Relegations In The 1990s And 2000s
Napoli’s modern history is scarred by two dramatic relegations in quick succession, followed by administrative collapse.
Relegation in 1997–98 Season
In the 1997–98 Serie A campaign, Napoli managed only 14 points from 34 matches—a disastrous run that saw the club finish dead last. Multiple coaching changes, defensive chaos, and catastrophic form spelled their drop to Serie B.
Return and Then Relegation Again in 2000–01
After fighting back to Serie A, Napoli’s return was fleeting. In 2000–01, they were relegated again, finishing 17th. Their inability to deliver when it mattered cost them dearly.
edia])
These relegations hit Napoli’s finances hard and exposed organizational fragility. The club had fallen.
The Collapse And Rebirth: Third-Tier Consequences
Relegation coupled with mounting debts led Naples into a dee, Napoli was administratively relegated to Serie C1, the third tier of Italian football.
Here’s the brutal truth:
- It wasn’t a relegation earned on the pitch, but a forced drop due to fiscal mismanagement.
- Napoli was effectively refounded under a new ownership structure, starting anew in Serie C1.
- The club’s legacy, colors, and identity were restored step by step, but they had to crawl back.
Between 2004 and 2007, the club secured promotions and rejoined Serie A, but the scars stayed with them.
How Many Times? A Summary Of Napoli’s Relegations
To answer the question simply: yes, Napoli has been relegated—on multiple occasions. Let’s break it down:
| Type of Relegation | Era / Season | Notes |
| Sporting relegation | circa 1942 (World War II era) | Early drop during league turmoil |
| Sporting relegation | 1997–98 | Finished last, catastrophic season |
| Sporting relegation | 2000–01 | Fight lost in the return season |
| Administrative relegation | 2004 | Bankruptcy forced a drop to Serie C1 |
That makes at least five relegations.
The Road Back: Redemption and Rise
Recovering from such lows required more than just good players—it demanded vision, stability, and a connection to the fanbase.
Ownership and Stability
In 2004, film producer Aurelio De Laurentiis purchased the struggling remains of Napoli and spearheaded a rebirth. He brought financial discipline, infrastructure, and ambition.
)
Climbing the Ladder
- 2004–06: Rebuilt in Serie C1, secured promotions.
- 2007–08: Returned to Serie A.
Modern Success
In the past decade, Napoli reestablished itself among Italy’s elite. The club challenged for European spots, gradually built depth, and in 2022–23 captured the Serie A title, reclaiming glory for the city of Naples.
That title was not just a trophy—it was a statement: Napoli had come full circle.
Lessons From Napoli’s Relegations
What can fans, analysts and clubs learn from Napoli’s turbulent history?
Sporting failure + financial neglect = Disaster
On-pitch collapse in 1998/2001 was exacerbated by fiscal mismanagement.
Identity matters in crisis
Even playing in Serie C1, Napoli had high attendance—fans stayed with the club.
Progress must be sustainable
The resurrection under new ownership prioritized balance over quick fixes.
Championships aren’t immune to history
Even after success, Napoli’s past relegations remain part of the club’s DNA.
Final Thoughts
Yes — Napoli has been relegated. Not once, but multiple times — through sporting failure in 1997–98 and 2000–01, and. Yet those dark chapters became the foundation of one of Italian football’s most inspiring comeback stories.
If you’re curious about Napoli’s season-by-season breakdown, top scorers, or how they compare to other clubs with relegation histories, dive dee. Check out our pages on Napoli’s seasons, greatest players, and rivalry battles — and stay with CantoKick for more football tales that pulse with life, pain, brilliance, and redemption.
