Europa League: Napoli Dedicates 2-0 Win Over Rijeka To Maradona

Napoli brushed past Croatian side Rijeka 2-0 as they dedicated the win to the memories of Diego Maradona, the Naples club's greatest and most popular player on Thursday.

AllNews understands that Napoli took the field for the Europa League game wearing number 10 shirts with Maradona's name emblazoned on the back, while a photograph of the Argentine idol stared down from the electronic scoreboard adding to the already emotional night in Naples.

⚽️? pic.twitter.com/Uz6ni9Gk0n

— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) November 26, 2020

Banners showing images of Maradona, who led Napoli to two Serie A titles during seven extraordinary seasons at the club in the 1980s, were placed around the San Paolo stadium, which was empty and pin-drop quiet due to COVID-19 regulations.

Diego, our true great love. #Napoli remembers #Maradona

? https://t.co/ZYY6unpYeA pic.twitter.com/9tHM7VgDIu

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) November 26, 2020

Although spectators were not allowed into the ground itself, however, fans gathered outside the stadium chanting "Diego, Diego" and other anthems.

READ ALSO: Napoli Set To Rename Stadium In Tribute To Maradona

Hundreds of blue and white Napoli scarves were tied to railings outside the stadium, and flowers, children's pictures, church candles, and even a bottle of wine were laid out along the pavement in a makeshift shrine.

All pictures taken of the match were rendered black and white as they continue to show how the loss of Maradona has thrown the city into the "dark ages".

Maradona died of a heart attack on Wednesday at the age of 60.

Once the game started, Napoli dominated and created several chances before Rijeka full-back Armando Anastasio, under pressure from Matteo Politano, turned Piotr Zielinski's shot into his own net five minutes before halftime.

Hirving Lozano made the result safe in the 75th minute, controlling Lorenzo Insigne's pass before slotting the ball past Ivan Nevistic to leave Napoli top of Group F with nine points from four games, two ahead of AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad.