Match winner Martinez: Inter wins the Super Cup over Napoli

Lautaro Martinez replaced Inter Milan with his late goal against Napoli.
imago/gripbody/imagephoto

The Nerazzurri entered the confrontation with SSC, which took place in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, as the favourite. While the defending champions had to do without African Cup drivers Zambo Anguissa and Osimhen, among others, Inter competed with the best squad. This was also reflected in the action, with the Serie A leaders clearly setting the tone.

The first shot came after just 16 minutes, when DeMarco fired a shot wide from the right. Inter's dominance moved more and more into Napoli's penalty area, but Martinez and Mkhitaryan were shooting inaccurately (19, 17). The former had no choice but to extend his foot in the 39th minute, but his goal was not counted because Thuram had previously been offside. Meanwhile, Napoli only managed to take the lead temporarily through Kvaratskhelia, but at least they drew 0-0 in the first half.

Simeone leaves the field

After the start of the second half, things became more difficult and within ten minutes referee Antonio Rapuano issued four yellow cards. Among other things, Simeone was also warned – and because the striker stepped on Acerbe's foot shortly afterwards, Napoli were outnumbered for the final 30 minutes.

With 5-4-0, SSC formed up in front of their own penalty area, and Inter ran tirelessly. A few shots from distance followed, but they often lacked accuracy. Thuram in particular was always unlucky at the end, and in the 73rd minute the former Gladbach player put the ball over the bar from close range.

Martinez saves Inter

It already smelled like a penalty shootout, because Giulini made a close-range save against Martinez in stoppage time. The Nerazzurri wanted to prevent a lottery of the point – and they rewarded themselves late for the great effort: Pavard spread out on the right flank in the penalty area and played in the middle to Martinez who finished the match strongly (90 + 1).

This means that the final match has been decided, as Napoli lacked strength in their last battle. Inter won the Super Cup for the third time in a row. The Italian League continues for both teams on Sunday: Inter play in Florence and Napoli in Lazio.