The Italian Super Cup was supposed to take place in Saudi Arabia in January. But apparently the two clubs SSC Napoli and AC Florence are now refusing to take part.
According to Italian media reports, champions Napoli and Fiorentina are reportedly refusing to play in the Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on 20 January 2024. According to the report, both clubs have demanded to the league that the match be played in Italy.
Above all, the tense international situation caused by Hamas’ attack on Israel and logistical difficulties are said to be reasons. “There could be an air blockade over these territories,” Napoli’s owner Aurelio De Laurentiis told the ANSA news agency: “How could anyone think of putting 120 players worth as much as they are on a plane? All this just to make a few million more?”
De Laurentiis therefore suggested the Italian capital Rome as a new venue. “Let’s just do it at the Stadio Olimpico,” the owner said, “It’s not that I want to boycott it. I just asked that we think about it.”
However, according to “Gazzetta dello Sport”, the league has announced that this is not possible given the contracts already signed.
Clubs face fine
Should the two clubs insist on their demand and not play in Saudi Arabia next year, they will face fines. Alternatively, the Italian league is considering bringing AC Milan and Atalanta Bergamo into the competition.
The competition is currently played in a Final Four tournament with two semi-finals and a final. Participants are the two finalists of the Coppa Italia, the Italian Cup, as well as the top two in the league. Should there be an overlap, the third-placed team in the table would advance.
In the other match for a place in the final, Inter Milan will play Lazio Roma. The final would be the sixth edition in Saudi Arabia. Inter’s most recent win in Riyadh was a 3-0 victory over Milan in the Milan derby.