Napoli forward to the Supercoppa Italiana final after defeating AC Milan
Napoli edged AC Milan 2-0 in Riyadh to advance to the Supercoppa Italiana final, with stand-out performances from David Neres and Rasmus Hojlund. The result handed Napoli a deserved win against the trophy-holders and set up a meeting with either Bologna or Inter in the final. The match, staged in the Saudi capital, showcased Napoli’s attack-mindset and Milan’s struggle to cope with swift breaks and precise finishing.
Early tempo and the game’s turning moments
From the opening whistle, Napoli pressed high and dictated the tempo, forcing Milan to defend deep and absorb pressure. The home-side advantage in the stadium, coupled with their quick passing sequences, paid dividends as Neres found space on the left and cut inside to threaten the Milan goal. The breakthrough arrived midway through the first half when Neres harvested a precise pass, timing his run to stay onside and slot past the Milan keeper with a composed finish. The goal underscored Napoli’s intent: to control the match through pressing, quick transitions, and disciplined defensive structure.
Neres earns early praise, Hojlund seals the win
David Neres, whose pace and technical ability unsettled Milan throughout, was central to Napoli’s attacking plan. His assist-to-goal contribution highlighted his technical quality and ability to unlock compact defenses. As the first half wore on, Milan attempted to respond but were repeatedly thwarted by Napoli’s well-organized backline and compact midfields. The second-half substitution of Rasmus Hojlund signaled Napoli’s intent to press for a second goal. Hojlund, a focal point in the front line, exploited spaces with well-timed runs and a clinical finish that doubled Napoli’s advantage. His goal, a demonstration of timing and finishing instinct, effectively took the game beyond Milan’s reach and sent Napoli’s supporters into a confident mood ahead of the final.
Tactical shapes and key matchups
Napoli lined up in a flexible 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 shape, enabling fluid attacking transitions while maintaining compactness when Milan pressed high. The midfield trio supplied steady ball circulation, allowing wingers like Neres to drift inside and create numerical advantages in the box. Milan, under pressure, found it difficult to sustain possession in areas where Napoli’s pressing was most effective. Without the ball, Milan’s attacking threat was stifled by rapid closing down and smart cover shadows, which limited their ability to craft meaningful chances.
What this means for the competition and Napoli’s momentum
With this win, Napoli secured a crucial advantage in the Supercoppa Italiana race, revealing their growing confidence on a big stage. The victory also provided a validation of their recruitment strategy, particularly in wide areas and in the striking department. Neres’s performance underlined his quality as a creator and goal-scorer, while Hojlund cemented his status as a dependable goalscorer capable of finishing under pressure. The result places Napoli into the final, where they will face the winner of the Bologna–Inter semi-final on Friday. For Milan, the draw offers a chance to regroup and reassess ahead of their league fixtures and potential tournaments later in the season.
Looking ahead
As Napoli anticipate the final, questions will focus on squad depth, rotation, and how manager’s tactical choices adapt to different opponents. Neres’s form will be a key storyline, as will Hojlund’s continued development in high-stakes matches. For Milan, the focus turns to how they respond to this setback, whether there will be adjustments in attack or midfield to improve balance and create more consistent chances in the remaining fixtures of the season.
