Napoli secured the Supercoppa Italiana title after a dominant 2-0 victory over Bologna in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, early Tuesday morning (23/12/2025 WIB). Under the tactical guidance of Antonio Conte, the Partenopei showcased discipline, efficiency, and a hunger for silverware.
This triumph adds to Napoli’s recent Scudetto success, yet Conte was quick to dismiss claims that his team now rules Italian football. Despite lifting another prestigious trophy, the Italian coach emphasized that his squad is far from being ready to dominate Serie A completely.
Interestingly, Conte also took the opportunity to send a subtle warning to Manchester United, referencing the impressive performances of Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay under his guidance.
A Near-Perfect Tournament
Napoli’s campaign in this edition of the Supercoppa was virtually flawless. They overcame AC Milan in the semifinals before outclassing Bologna in the final.
David Neres emerged as the standout hero, scoring both goals that sealed the win. Conte praised his players’ commitment and flawless execution throughout the tournament.
“The players deserve congratulations for a perfect tournament, against both Milan and Bologna,” Conte told Sport Mediaset.
“They showed how much they wanted this trophy for our fans, and now we can also celebrate a fantastic Christmas,” he added.
Only Winners Are Remembered
Conte highlighted the importance of a winning mentality, reminding his squad that football history remembers the champions, not the runners-up. He drew on his own experience, noting how bitter defeats in Champions League finals and World Cups shaped his philosophy.
“Only the winners are remembered. Don’t forget that Napoli lost the Supercoppa final two years ago against Inter, but hardly anyone remembers that,” Conte explained.
“I can tell you that nobody bothers looking for the losing finalists, because I’ve lost many finals myself, both as a player and as a coach,” he continued.
Conte Refuses to Claim Serie A Supremacy
Despite clinching both the Scudetto and the Supercoppa Italiana, Conte remained humble. He rejected any notion that Napoli now outranks Inter Milan or AC Milan.
Citing a squad filled with new faces and a slim roster, Conte stressed that Napoli is still far from fully ready to dominate Italian football.
“No, I would be lying if I said that. We are not ready to lead the league yet,” Conte admitted when asked about Serie A dominance.
“We are not even close to being ready,” he added, underscoring his modesty despite the team’s recent successes.
A Subtle Warning for Manchester United
While maintaining humility, Conte did not shy away from a sharp remark aimed at Manchester United. The comment came in response to questions about the transformation of Rasmus Hojlund and Scott McTominay, who have flourished under his guidance.
Both players had struggled to impress at Old Trafford, and Conte subtly questioned why they failed in England but succeeded in Italy.
“Everyone used to say Rasmus didn’t play in Manchester, and the same for McTominay—so why? Ask yourselves some questions there,” Conte remarked.
“My staff and I had work to do, and there’s a reason we’re here,” he concluded, closing the discussion with his trademark mix of humility and sharp insight.
Napoli’s Bright Future Under Conte
With this Supercoppa Italiana victory, Napoli have sent a clear signal to Serie A rivals. While Conte remains modest about the team’s readiness to dominate, his tactical acumen and ability to transform players like Hojlund and McTominay prove that Napoli is a force to be reckoned with. Fans can now look forward to the second half of the season with high expectations, while Conte continues to build a team capable of challenging for multiple titles.
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