OK guys I'm English and something of an expert on Napoli. I'm primarily a Pompey fan but 1st went to San Paolo Stadium about 3 years ago and have been about a dozen times.
Let me say to those of you that are put off I completely understand.
However, you will be missing one of the most sensational footballing experiences of your life by not going to San Paolo. Forget Milan Juventus Roma etc for sheer atmospere San Paolo is without equal in Italy.
It is the nearest thing you will get to South American atmosphere in Europe.
Neapolitans are very different to Italians, very outgoing big hearted and very emotional. The city has historically evolved from Greek, Roman, German, French and Spanish influences. Especially Spanish. They have their own language (I don't mean dialect) but any Italian speakers amongst will have no problem.
Napoli fans are hated in Italy from Rome and all points North (excepting Genoa)and are the victims of overt racism in their own country.
You'll never see many fans from Lazio or Milan etc attending San Paolo. You'll never see an adult in Napoli wearing a Juventus shirt in the street. They are fiercley proud of their history and unification with Italy in 1860 saw them relegated into a state of decay.
Now I happened to go to the Liverpool game in Naples flying out from Gatwick. There were about 30 Scousers on my flight. I was there walking the city on those bad days for the handful who were attacked. Wrong place at the wrong time?? Yes probably.
Some advice for you. The police tolerate no nonsense. They love getting batons out but you won't have that worry...they hate the Napoli fans and vice versa. The police will make very sensible arrangements for you. They will give you a pickup point near the port. They will transport you to the stadium under massive escort. They will then return you after the game to the same place.
Some Liverpool fans talked of their terror at walking back to their hotels up the hill towards Piazza Garribaldi. So let me help you..Don't book a hotel near Piazza Garibaldi. It is one of the roughest areas in the city...it's also the station to go to if you wish to visit Pompei or Sorrento. So if you are going for a few days sight seeing don't wear scarves or shirts in this area but just act as a tourist. Wallets should be kept in front pockets preferably in tight jeans. For women watch how the Neapolitan women carry handbags and copy them. Make use of the hotel safe at all times.
Do not wear Rolex watches and no gold on wrists or heavy gold chains around the neck. Basically follow these rules and you won't attract any attention at all. Do not flash cash....and attract attention.
My advise is get a hotel near Piazza Municipio/Piazza Plebiscito. This is well away from Piazza Garibaldi. For those of you not going on organised packages I would recommend you get on the 'Alibus' at Napoli Capodicchino airport. Last time I went it cost 3 euros and makes only 2 stops. Piazza Garribaldi and Piazza Municipio. This bus is specially adapted for tourists with luggage and is much cheaper than the 20-25 euro taxi ride.
Now if you want to see more of Napoli and San Paolo click on my youtube channel my username is pete1201. I'll start you of with this one:
<a class="postlink" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2nJSijWn3Y" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2nJSijWn3Y</a>
Napoli is a great city if you don't fear it, and you won't taste better pizza or pasta anywhere in Italy...after all this is where the real buffalo mozzarella is produced. If you need more info or tips I will be pleased to help. They say you love Naples or you hate it. There is no in between believe me...but if you are prepared to dig you may end up loving this city as much as me!!!!
