The 1996-97 campaign was a season of dramatic turbulence for Napoli, finishing a deeply disappointing 13th in Serie A, yet it delivered a thrilling, emotional run to the Coppa Italia Final. Despite the mid-season managerial change and a league struggle where Alfredo Aglietti top-scored with just eight goals, the Partenopei provided a moment of hope, only to suffer agonizing heartbreak in the two-legged final against Vicenza, losing 3-1 on aggregate after extra time. This season remains a defining and painful chapter, as the 13th-place finish foreshadowed the historic club's subsequent relegation.