Napoli Secure Super Cup Final Spot After 2-0 Triumph Over Milan in Riyadh

Key Takeaways:

• Napoli booked their place in the Italian Super Cup final with a 2-0 win against Milan on Wednesday in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• David Neres (39’) and Rasmus Højlund (63’) found the net to dethrone last year’s mini-tournament winners
• The Partenopei will face either Bologna or Inter in the final on Monday, aiming for their first Super Cup crown since 2014

Match Analysis: Napoli End Milan’s Hopes of Super Cup Repeat with Convincing Victory

Napoli became the first finalist of this season’s Italian Super Cup following a commanding 2-0 semi-final win over Milan in Riyadh. David Neres opened the scoring in the 39th minute with a close-range finish, while Rasmus Højlund sealed the outcome after 63 minutes, doubling the Neapolitans’ advantage. This victory not only dethrones the reigning mini-tournament holders but also avenges Napoli’s 1-2 league defeat to Milan back in September.

⏹️ Full time: #NapoliMilan 2-0

We're in the final!

💙 #ForzaNapoliSempre pic.twitter.com/7tEG550WSD

— Official SSC Napoli (@en_sscnapoli) December 18, 2025

The result ensures Napoli’s progression to the final, where they will compete for the trophy against the winner of the other semi-final tie between Coppa Italia holders Bologna and Inter. The showpiece will take place on Monday, with the Partenopei seeking their first Super Cup success in a decade.

Team Line-Ups and Tactical Adjustments

Antonio Conte reacted to Napoli’s recent 0-1 defeat at Udinese by making three changes to his starting eleven and repositioning several players. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo moved back into defence, which allowed Matteo Politano to be deployed as a right wing-back. This adjustment led to Sam Beukema forfeiting his place, and Alessandro Buongiorno was also omitted, with Juan Jesus filling in at the back. Eljif Elmas replaced Noa Lang on the left wing, facilitating Stanislav Lobotka’s return to midfield. David Neres retained his position on the right flank, while Rasmus Højlund took up the central striker’s role.

For Milan, Massimiliano Allegri also executed three changes after their 2-2 draw with Sassuolo. Injury to centre-half Matteo Gabbia saw Koni De Winter step into the defence. Pervis Estupiñán was assigned left wing-back duties in place of the previous match’s hero, Davide Bartesaghi. Ardon Jashari started in midfield, with Luka Modrić given a rest. The attacking front was unchanged, with Christopher Nkunku and Christian Pulisic remaining in the line-up.

Bulgarian fans were left disappointed as 17-year-old Valeri Vladimirov, despite travelling with the Milan squad, missed out on selection due to squad size regulations stipulating a 23-player limit. Notably, Milan’s shirts featured names in Arabic for this fixture.

Key Moments and Match Flow

The contest began with Eljif Elmas testing Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan inside the opening exchanges. In the fifth minute, Strahinja Pavlović set up Ruben Loftus-Cheek, whose effort was denied by Vanja Milinković-Savić. David Neres had a shot diverted for a corner soon after, before Alexis Saelemaekers volleyed over.

There were further chances for Elmas and Scott McTominay, while Adrien Rabiot’s header narrowly cleared the bar. Counter-attacking opportunities saw Christopher Nkunku fire off target. The breakthrough arrived in the 39th minute, as Maignan failed to deal decisively with a ball from Højlund, allowing Neres to fire home. Rabiot and Højlund were both denied chances to alter the score before the interval, with Maignan making a crucial save just before half-time.

After the break, Amir Rrahmani prompted a save from Maignan in the 54th minute, and a brief VAR review ruled out any action after Maignan’s challenge on Politano. The decisive second goal arrived on 63 minutes, with Højlund receiving a pass from Leonardo Spinazzola, bypassing De Winter and finishing from a tight angle. Milan’s attacking threat was largely contained, with substitute Youssouf Fofana’s header comfortably saved and Højlund missing an opportunity to add a third.

Late stages included a second VAR check for a possible elbow from Pavlović on Rrahmani, but again, no disciplinary action was taken. A heated altercation between players resulted in bookings for McTominay and Fikayo Tomori. In the 87th minute, McTominay squandered a chance to further extend Napoli’s lead, and Milan’s late attempts failed to produce a consolation.

Notable Statistics and Line-Ups

Looking Ahead

Napoli’s victory not only deprives Milan of back-to-back Super Cup titles but also hands the current Scudetto holders an opportunity to claim their first Super Cup since 2014. The final awaits on Monday, with the reigning Serie A champions poised to face either Bologna or Inter for the coveted trophy.