Napoli lifted the Italian Super Cup on Monday night after a commanding 2-0 victory over Bologna in the final played in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Brazilian winger David Neres delivering a match-winning performance.
The reigning Serie A champions controlled proceedings from the opening stages and were rewarded shortly before half-time when Neres produced a moment of brilliance. The former Ajax attacker cut inside from the left and unleashed a curling effort from outside the penalty area that sailed past Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia, giving Napoli a deserved lead.
Bologna, who entered the final as winners of last season’s Coppa Italia, struggled to match Napoli’s intensity and composure in midfield. Despite enjoying brief spells of possession, they found it difficult to break through a well-organized Napoli defense marshalled expertly throughout the contest.
Napoli doubled their advantage in the second half, capitalizing on a costly defensive mistake. Ravaglia attempted to play out from the back, but his pass was intercepted by the alert Neres. The winger showed great composure to finish calmly into the net, effectively sealing the contest and extinguishing Bologna’s hopes of a comeback.
Read More: Neymar Has Knee Surgery as 2026 World Cup Targeted
With his two goals in the final, Neres emerged as the standout performer of the tournament. He had already found the net in Napoli’s 2-0 semi-final victory over AC Milan last week, finishing the Super Cup campaign with three goals and underlining his importance to Antonio Conte’s side.
This triumph marks Napoli’s third Italian Super Cup title, adding to their previous successes in 1990 and 2014. It also represents an early piece of silverware for Conte, who has quickly instilled a winning mentality since taking charge of the club.
Speaking after the match, Conte praised his players’ commitment and hunger. “The players deserve a lot of credit,” he said. “They showed how much this trophy meant to them and to our supporters. Winning like this gives us confidence, and it’s a special way to celebrate with a new trophy.”
The Italian Super Cup format has evolved in recent years. Traditionally contested between the Serie A champions and Coppa Italia winners, the competition has expanded since 2023 to include the runners-up from both tournaments, creating a four-team mini-tournament. The event is set to be staged in Saudi Arabia through 2029 under an existing agreement.
Attention now shifts back to domestic competition for both teams. Napoli currently sit just two points behind Serie A leaders Inter Milan and will resume league action on Sunday with an away fixture against Cremonese. Bologna, meanwhile, return home where they are scheduled to face Sassuolo as they look to refocus on their league campaign.
Napoli’s Super Cup success not only adds silverware to their cabinet but also sends a strong message to their domestic rivals as the Serie A title race intensifies.
Read More: Liverpool Legend Gerrard Responds to Salah’s Emotional Outburst
