Once Upon a Time in Naples - John Ludden

On 5th July 1984, Diego Armando Maradona arrived in Naples by helicopter, and for seven years all hell let loose in the Italian South. For so long the ailing giant that was SSC Napoli had criminally underachieved. Their fanatical support unequalled in both passion and size across Italy. None was more feared or hated. And how they ached for success. A history dramatic, explosive and tragic. Like the finest Italian operas. Then came Maradona Blessed with a ball at his feet on the field, cursed off it, the charismatic Argentine led Napoli to their first ever Title. It was the stuff of dreams. He was unplayable, then came the dark side. Maradona mixed openly with the city gangsters, Lo Camorra. He could do as he pleased whilst performing miracles on the pitch, but when the magic faded? Once upon a time in Naples attempts to chronicle those unforgettable times under Mount Vesuvius' shadow. When Diego left his inestimable mark on this Babylon by the sea. An alluring tale of wonderful football, of glory, despair and betrayal. Of corruption, gangsters and ultimately, redemption. In a city where the devil would have needed bodyguards, Maradona became bigger than God himself. A perfect storm: Welcome to Naples!