RIYADH: Inter Milan and AC Milan meet on Monday in the Italian Super Cup final at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, with both sides aiming to secure early-season silverware in what promises to be a competitive Milan derby.
Inter head into the match looking to extend their recent dominance in the competition, having won the past three Super Cups, including two in Riyadh.
Victory would see them claim a record fourth consecutive title. AC Milan, however, are seeking to end their own trophy drought and derail Inter’s impressive run.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Sunday, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez highlighted the significance of playing in Saudi Arabia, where he scored in both of his team’s previous Super Cup finals in Riyadh.
He said: “For us, playing here has been important in the past finals because we won the trophy and because I scored.
“This is a derby and a final, and we all know how important it is. The goal is to win and bring the trophy home.”
Inter secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Thursday, thanks to two goals from Denzel Dumfries.
Manager Simone Inzaghi, who has overseen all of Inter’s recent Super Cup wins, acknowledged the challenge of competing in a derby final.
He said: “It would be very special to win the Super Cup for the fourth time with Inter.
“We face a strong opponent with the same hunger to win. We need to stay focused and deliver a strong performance.”
AC Milan earned their spot in the final by defeating Juventus 2-1 in their semifinal. New manager Sergio Conceicao, who took charge only last week, faces a significant test in his second match with the club.
He said: “The match will be difficult, but we have to focus on ourselves.
“My goal is to prepare the team as best as possible and ensure we approach the game with ambition and hunger to win.”
Conceicao’s plans could hinge on the fitness of key forward Rafael Leao, who is being assessed after missing the semifinal.
Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, who joined the club in the summer, is eager to seize the opportunity to win his first trophy.
He said: “It’s a great chance for us as a group to win something. We have to play with confidence and take this opportunity.”
Monday’s match marks the fifth time the Italian Super Cup has been staged in Saudi Arabia, with Riyadh hosting for the fourth time.
Inter’s previous successes in Riyadh have given them an edge in the tournament, but AC will be determined to change the narrative and claim their first Super Cup since 2016.
