For those wondering why it is called the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana despite the match playing in 2024, it is because this tournament features the winners and runners-up of the 2022–23 Serie A and 2022–23 Coppa Italia. Thus, it is only correct to label it as the battle of 2023 rather than 2024. In addition, the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana, referred to as EA Sports FC Supercup for sponsorship reasons, is the 36th edition of Supercoppa Italiana, the Italian football super cup. Additionally, it is the first edition to feature four teams, expanding on the previous format of one-off matches between the champions of Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
Also Read: Copa del Rey Round of 16: La Liga Leaders Girona FC Triumph Over Rayo Vallecano
🚨 Lega Serie A president Lorenzo Casini has officially announced the change of the Italian Super Cup format, transforming it into a 4-team competition: Serie A champion, Serie A runner ups and the two Coppa Italia finalists. It will be held in Saudi Arabia pic.twitter.com/osgraC464h
— Milan Eye (@MilanEye) March 13, 2023
Super-Sub Alessio Zerbin Seals Supercoppa Italiana Finals Passage for Napoli
As the first match played under the new Supercoppa Italiana rules, Napoli, the winners of last season’s Serie A, faced off against Fiorentina, the runners-up of the previous Coppa Italia, in which the former recorded a clinical 3-0 win. To not sugarcoat any words, Napoli has looked a far cry from the dominant side that won the league as they now linger in 8th, with them 20 points off the pace with leaders Inter Milan.
Moreover, their journey in the Coppa Italia ended horrifically at the Round of 16 stage as Frosinone swept them 4-0 in their own backyard. While they managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League knockout stage, they suffered back-to-back losses against Real Madrid, showing a slight gap in class between the two.
Nevertheless, Napoli finally came out of their shell in this Supercoppa Italiana tussle against Fiorentina with an MOTM display from club captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo and super-sub Alessio Zerbin. Giovanni Simeone gave the club a lead in the first half before Alessio Zerbin notched two goals in two minutes just two minutes after coming on. The win also snaps their four-game winless streak heading into this fixture, as Napoli had lost three out of their four matches with zero goals scored and ten goals conceded.
Could This Win in the Supercoppa Italiana Kickstart Napoli’s Season?
Sometimes, one win is all you need to remind yourself what you achieved before and what heights you could perform. It is an elixir for teams to go on a massive winning streak, as we have seen before many times. While this win does not mean anything for the league table, qualification into the Supercoppa Italiana final by beating an opposition higher placed than you and defeating you in the last meeting would definitely feel good.
In simpler terms, football clubs and fans cared the most about trophies and the player’s passion for the badge. Remember the joy and jubilations Napoli felt when they won their first league title last season since 1990? Remember the player’s commitment and determination to win the league for the deceased Diego Maradona?
The players and the clubs do, but they just can’t replicate it this season. With managerial changes and players such as Victor Osimhen threatening to sue the club with legal action after Napoli posted a clip on TikTok with a high-pitched voice playing over the top saying: “Gimme penalty, please” in his missed spot kick, the club is not on the same page this season. However, this win may be the torch that brings the team together and win some silverware in this turbulent season as they await Inter or Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana final.
Is José Mourinho Staying in Italy with Napoli?
Despite the Napoli win, the tastier news surrounds José Mourinho and his sudden departure from Roma. After much deliberation about where the Portuguese manager is heading next, the latest reports speculated that the Special One could extend his two-and-a-half-year stay in Italy as his long-time agent, Jorge Mendes, has contacted Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
According to rumours, Mendes has brought up Mourinho’s availability as Napoli’s manager from next season, as current interim manager Walter Mazzarri is unlikely to continue at Partenoperi. While it is an exciting prospect, Arturo Di Napoli, a former player and current manager of Cologno, remains sceptical about the choice. “It’s a suggestion. It would mean completely changing the Napoli philosophy seen in recent years. With Mourinho, you would have a unique match, but I don’t think that could be the right option. I see sparks between Aurelio De Laurentiis and Mourinho.”
To catch the latest news regarding José Mourinho’s journey, follow AsiaSport for daily updates and high-definition highlights of matches throughout 2024.
Immediately after Jose Mourinho was dismissed by AS Roma, his agent Jorge Mendes picked up the phone & informed De Laurentiis of his client’s willingness to take over as Napoli coach next season.
But his €7M/year will prove to be difficult to be met
[@sportmediaset]#Napoli pic.twitter.com/R8golWBKLx
— Napoli Zone (@TheNapoliZone) January 18, 2024
