Napoli continued their remarkable rise in Italian football by securing the Supercoppa Italiana title after a commanding 2–0 victory over Bologna in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The final, played in the early hours of Tuesday (December 23, 2025 WIB), confirmed Napoli’s growing stature following their Serie A Scudetto triumph last season.
Despite lifting another prestigious trophy, head coach Antonio Conte was quick to downplay any suggestion that his side are now the undisputed rulers of Italian football. In typical Conte fashion, he combined humility with intensity — and even found time to deliver a pointed remark aimed at Manchester United.
A Supercoppa Campaign Without Flaws
Napoli’s path to the Supercoppa title was emphatic. They began the tournament by eliminating AC Milan in the semifinal, before producing another authoritative display against Bologna in the final.
The standout performer was Brazilian winger David Neres, who scored both goals in the final to cap a superb individual tournament. Napoli were disciplined defensively, ruthless in attack, and composed throughout — hallmarks of Conte’s tactical blueprint.
“The players deserve huge congratulations for a perfect tournament,” Conte told Sport Mediaset after the match. “They were excellent against Milan and again against Bologna. You could see how much they wanted to win this trophy for the fans.”
Conte added that the triumph carried emotional significance for the squad, particularly as it arrived just days before the Christmas break.
“We will now enjoy a wonderful Christmas,” he said. “This group has earned that.”
Winning Is What History Remembers
Conte used the occasion to underline a message he has long preached: football history only remembers winners. Drawing on his own experiences of defeat in major finals, he stressed that finishing second offers little consolation.
“Only winners are remembered,” Conte stated firmly. “People forget who loses the final. Napoli lost the Supercoppa final against Inter two years ago — and hardly anyone remembers that.”
The Napoli coach spoke candidly about the emotional toll of losing decisive matches, referencing painful defeats he has endured both as a player and a manager.
“I can tell you that nobody goes looking for the losing finalists,” he continued. “I’ve lost many finals in my career, and they stay with you. That’s why winning matters so much.”
The message was clear: Conte’s Napoli are being built with a ruthless, trophy-focused mentality.
Refusing the ‘Kings of Italy’ Label
Despite back-to-back major titles — the Scudetto followed by the Supercoppa — Conte firmly rejected claims that Napoli have overtaken rivals such as Inter Milan or AC Milan as the dominant force in Italy.
He cited the relative newness of the squad and the number of recent signings as reasons for caution, insisting that Napoli are still a work in progress.
“No, I wouldn’t feel comfortable saying that at all,” Conte replied when asked if Napoli are now the benchmark of Italian football. “I would be lying if I said we are.”
“I can’t say we’re ready to dominate,” he added. “We are not even close to being ready.”
Conte’s remarks reflected a deliberate attempt to shield his players from excessive expectations, while reinforcing the importance of continued improvement.
Napoli’s Tactical Balance Under Conte
The Supercoppa victory highlighted Napoli’s growing tactical maturity. Conte’s side combined defensive solidity with rapid transitions, allowing them to control matches without sacrificing attacking threat.
Midfielders such as Scott McTominay provided physical presence and structure, while the movement of players like Neres ensured Napoli remained dangerous in wide areas.
Conte’s emphasis on organization and intensity has transformed Napoli into a team capable of winning tight, high-stakes matches — a crucial trait for sustained success.
A Subtle but Sharp Dig at Manchester United
While Conte’s post-match tone was largely measured, he raised eyebrows with a pointed comment regarding Manchester United. Asked about the resurgence of players such as Rasmus Højlund and McTominay under his management, Conte suggested that their struggles in England deserved closer scrutiny.
“Everyone used to say Rasmus wasn’t performing at Manchester, the same with McTominay,” Conte remarked. “So why is that? People should ask themselves some questions.”
The comment was widely interpreted as a subtle criticism of Manchester United’s environment and player development, contrasting it with Napoli’s structured and demanding setup.
“The staff and I have a job to do,” Conte concluded. “There’s a reason why we are here.”
Momentum for the Remainder of the Season
Napoli’s Supercoppa triumph provides valuable momentum as the season progresses. With confidence high and silverware already secured, Conte’s squad will look to mount another strong challenge in Serie A while remaining competitive in Europe.
Yet, if Conte’s words are anything to go by, complacency will not be tolerated. The Napoli coach has made it clear that trophies are earned through relentless work — not reputation.
As celebrations continue in Riyadh and Naples, one thing is certain: Napoli may not yet call themselves the kings of Italy, but under Antonio Conte, they are rapidly becoming one of the most feared teams on the peninsula.
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