When Inter Milan and Atalanta crossed the white line at Alawwal Park for the primary Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, it marked the most recent key second in an ever-strengthening bond between Saudi Arabia and Italian soccer.
Since its inception in 1988, the competitors has not been afraid to take the present on the highway; the US, Libya, China, and Qatar have all hosted previous editions. Now, it’s Saudi Arabia. Past appearing merely as short-term hosts, it’s a part of a wider strategic partnership to learn soccer in each nations.
The advantages for Italian soccer? The chance to showcase a few of its greatest gamers and golf equipment in entrance of the passionate native soccer group.
The advantages for Saudi Arabia? Not solely a chance to expertise Italian soccer in all its glory, however one other likelihood for its younger inhabitants to be impressed to get lively and reside wholesome lives.
The Italian Tremendous Cup is the most recent second in Saudi Arabia’s year-round schedule of high-profile sports activities occasions; over 115 since 2018. These partnerships purpose to encourage youth participation, foster larger worldwide collaboration and in addition invite company from all over the world to expertise the nation’s distinctive tradition.
Saudi Arabia has at all times been passionate for soccer, over 80% of the nation follows the game, the Saudi Professional League is rising on and off the pitch, whereas the nation is an everyday host of worldwide soccer, together with after all, the FIFA World Cup 2034.
With participation in sports activities up by 300 % since 2015 and soccer participation growing by 58 % since 2021, Saudi Arabia is proving that sport is greater than a recreation – it’s a driver of nationwide transformation.
This 12 months would be the fifth time the Supercoppa Italiana will likely be held in Saudi Arabia. It made its debut within the Kingdom in January 2019 when Juventus edged out AC Milan in Jeddah, due to a Cristiano Ronaldo aim. The Supercoppa Italiana returned to Saudi Arabia 11 months later, this time in Riyadh and Ronaldo’s soon-to-be-home floor of King Saud College Stadium (now often known as Alawwal Park). Juventus once more contested the ultimate however had been unable to retain the trophy in entrance of 23,000 supporters as Lazio ran out 3-1 winners.
The competitors remained in Italy for 2020 and 2021 however was again in Riyadh in January 2023 for the 2022 version, with rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan battling for each the trophy and metropolis bragging rights. A commanding 3-0 victory for Inter Milan was witnessed by greater than 51,000 followers on the King Fahd Worldwide Stadium.
Performed in January final 12 months, the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana made its manner again to Alawwal Park in Riyadh. The semi-finals noticed Coppa Italia winners Inter Milan defeat Serie A runners-up Lazio and league champions Napoli beat Coppa Italia finalists Fiorentina – each by scores of 3-0. Within the mouth-watering closing, Inter Milan edged due to a dramatic injury-time aim from Lautaro Martinez.
📸 MIGUEL MEDINA
Now it’s time for the subsequent iteration and the acquainted faces of Inter Milan (Serie A champion), Juventus (Coppa Italia winners), and AC Milan (Serie A runners-up) who’re joined by the most recent energy in Italian soccer Atalanta. The Europa League champions who reached the Coppa Italia closing final season and at the moment lead the league standings. The match will as soon as once more be held at Alawwal Park.
The 4 editions held up to now in Saudi Arabia have drawn over 191,000 soccer followers from all over the world, reflecting the game’s unifying energy. These occasions embody Saudi Arabia’s dedication to fostering world connections by sport whereas inspiring its youth to embrace lively, wholesome life.
📸 Abdullah Ahmed – 2025 Getty Pictures