Supercoppa Italiana Bombshell – Saudi Arabia Could Reject Competition With Bologna Or Empoli | OneFootball

Saudi Arabia could reject hosting the Supercoppa Italiana next season with either Bologna or Empoli in it.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Corriere della Sera, via FCInterNews. They report that the competition could instead take place in the US or Italy.

For the last three seasons, Saudi Arabia has hosted the Supercoppa Italiana.

And in the last two editions of the competition, it has been a four-team mini-tournament rather than a one-off match.

Last month, AC Milan defeated Inter Milan in the final in a dramatic 3-2 comeback win to lift the trophy.

Saudi Arabia Could Reject Supercoppa Italiana With Bologna Or Empoli

This season, the participants in the Supercoppa were Inter, Milan, Juventus, and Atalanta. The former two as the top two teams in last season’s Serie A table, and the latter as the Coppa Italia finalists.

It is still uncertain who will play in the Supercoppa Italiana next season. The Serie A season is still ongoing, and very competitive for the top places in the table.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 22: Marcus Thuram of FC Internazionale lifts the Italian EA Sports FC Supercup Final trophy at full-time following victory in the Italian EA Sports FC Supercup Final match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Al-Awwal Stadium on January 22, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, in the Coppa Italia, there will be a Milan derby semifinal tie between Inter and Milan.

Therefore, at least one of the Nerazzurri or the Rossoneri will participate yet again.

Meanwhile, the other semifinal pits surprise packages Bologna and Empoli together.

Therefore, one of the Rossoblu or the Azzurri will reach the final. And as such, qualify for next season’s Supercoppa.

This has caused some apprehension among Saudi organizers, reports the Corriere della Sera.

The organizers prefer to have bigger name teams such as Inter, Milan, and Juventus in the Supercoppa. They are investing €23 million, and expect maximum commercial potential.

Already, the Supercoppa organizers had been unhappy that the Rossoneri and the Bianconeri had been absent in 2024. Fiorentina, Lazio, and Napoli participated alongside Inter.

And certainly with a team like Bologna or Empoli involved, it would not suit the Saudi organizers’ vision.

Therefore, reports the Corriere della Sera, the organizers may pull out. They have the option to host two out of the next four editions of the Supercoppa.

Accordingly, playing the competition in the US or in Italy next season would be options on the table.