Bologna was absolutely terrible. This is the 11th title in Antonio Conte’s coaching career and the third Italian Super Cup for Naples!
Super Cup Final: Napoli vs Bologna
In the Italian Super Cup, Napoli and Bologna faced each other. Both teams had defeated Milan and Inter in the semi finals, thereby preventing the Milan clubs from defending last year’s final. Champion against cup winner: is there anything more natural?
Italian Super Cup is being held in Saudi Arabia. However, the Super Cup final at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh did not sell out. The stadium has a capacity of 25,000 spectators but many empty seats were visible in the stands. On the background of the scandal with the Milan – Como match in Australia (first confirmed, then canceled because of financial risks and rules of the Asian confederation), this situation gives additional reasons for opponents of games outside Italy.
Head-to-Head in 2025
In 2025, Napoli and Bologna met two times. In April, both teams tied (1:1), while in November, Vincenzo Italiano’s side defeated the champions at home – 2:0. In the last six encounters, Napoli had only won once against their opponents. Therefore, neutral fans thought they would see at least an equal game in the Super Cup final. They were wrong.
Right from the beginning, Napoli dominated the game. And Bologna, which usually suppresses the opposition, looked like they weren’t even on the field. Had they spent all their energy on the match against Inter? In the first half, Italiano’s team created no serious scoring opportunities. And what’s worse for the coach, Bologna allowed Napoli to create too many dangerous attacking moves.
Dominant First Half
On the 11th minute, Eljif Elmas missed the first large opportunity: in the box, he shot wide from close range with the near post. Later, Giovanni Di Lorenzo delivered a cross into the area where the Bologna goalkeeper Federico Ravaglia had to intervene. As usual for Conte, Napoli attacked the opponent using his well-known tactics. Therefore, it was only a question of time until they scored.
And already on the 37th minute, Napoli wasted a huge chance. After a nice combination: one touch passes, Leonardo Spinazzola came through the midfield and was alone in front of Bologna’s goal. He wanted to lob Ravaglia but the shot was weak. Bologna’s midfielder Lewis Ferguson cleared the ball on the line.
We couldn’t score one of the most beautiful goals of 2025? No problem – we’ll make another. Already on the 39th minute, David Neres got the ball on the sideline, cut inside from the right flank and curled it into the far corner. A beautiful, precise shot – 1:0! A deserved lead for the first half.
More Goals for Neres in Second Half
After the break, there was still hope for Bologna to restart and add some excitement to the final. But Napoli had other plans. Right from the start of the second half, the Neapolitans were looking for more goals. Bologna’s goalkeeper Ravaglia saved his team several times: especially impressive was the save from Amir Rrahmani’s header towards the top corner.
On the 56th minute, Italiano’s team created their first scoring opportunity. Riccardo Orsolini delivered a cross to Ferguson, and the Scot shot directly at Vanja Milinković-Savić. And immediately after, Bologna gave away the second. Unstoppable Neres pressured John Lucumí in the box, quickly closed in on the goal and technically chipped Ravaglia. This mistake will probably reduce the price of Bologna defender by a few million dollars. Meanwhile, Napoli has a new star! Neres scored against Milan in the last match, and now he also scored a double in the final.
Napoli Takes Control
At 2:0, Napoli wasn’t afraid to give possession to the opponent. Bologna aren’t as strong in positioning as they are in fast counterattacks. We saw that again in the final. Italiano’s team didn’t create big problems for Napoli’s goalkeeper and defense.
Actually, Napoli were closer to a third goal. Maybe even a fourth. For example, on the 78th minute, Scott McTominay remembered about himself: the midfielder attempted a bicycle kick from inside the box, but missed the near post. Although in November, against Denmark for Scotland, that trick worked for him. Moreover, Napoli had a couple of chances for Rasmus Højlund, on loan from Manchester United: firstly, he shot wide from a good location, then he got greedy and didn’t pass to a teammate without defenders nearby.
Matteo Politano could have made it a rout for Napoli. It was easier for the winger to score than to miss. He ran to a pass from Miguel Gutiérrez and only had to shoot at an empty net. But the ball betrayed him and flew over the bar from his foot. Napoli didn’t seem to want to humiliate Bologna and wasted a huge number of scoring opportunities.
Conclusion: Conte’s 11th Trophy
Napoli won the third Italian Super Cup in history. Conte won his 11th coaching trophy. For now, the honeymoon period between the team and the manager continues. If Conte (as he sometimes does) doesn’t quarrel with the board and players, then Napoli in this form can aim for back-to-back Serie A titles. Bologna simply didn’t show up for the Super Cup final, not giving Napoli any serious resistance.
