SSC Napoli spent the 2001–02 season in Serie B, which had been assured following sensational events in the final Serie A round the season before, when all bottom teams won their matches.

In 2002, Napoli came fairly close to promotion, but stumbled due to a 2–1 defeat to Siena at the end of the campaign.

With Empoli rounding off their campaign with a victory, not even a win could have helped Napoli to have a chance, and with the team also losing the final game of the season, Luigi De Canio stepped down as coach.