Background on the Supercopa de Italia and its Global Journey
The Supercopa de Italia, traditionally associated with Italy, will take place in Arabia Saudi starting from the 2023-24 season due to a six-year agreement. This isn’t the first time the tournament has ventured abroad; it has previously been held in countries like Libya, China, Qatar, and the United States.
Napoli as First Finalist in 2025-26 Edition
In the upcoming 2025-26 edition, Napoli is set to be the first finalist among four participating teams: the Italian league and cup winners, as well as the runners-up from last season’s competitions. The event in Riad, Arabia Saudi, is a three-day celebration focusing on showcasing the country where around 80% of the population is avid football fans. The Saudi Professional League has been investing heavily in player acquisitions, aiming to boost its image and prepare for hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2034.
Serie A’s Globalization Strategy and Arabia Saudi’s Role
Serie A seeks to balance tradition with globalization in an increasingly interconnected sporting world. The Supercopa returned to Italy for two years in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic but has since moved back to Arabia Saudi, where it will remain until 2029 under the new agreement.
The Supercopa began modestly in 1988 with a mere 19,000 spectators watching AC Milan defeat Sampdoria at the San Siro. It continued for several seasons until 1993, when it was played at the Estadio Memorial Robert F. Kennedy in Washington. The tournament returned to Italy until 2002, when it was held in Libya, marking the first politically-tinged Supercopa as Gaddafi’s regime sought prestige by hosting a high-level European match.
Further stops included Qatar in 2014 and multiple Chinese editions before March 2023, when Serie A signed an agreement with the Saudi government to host four out of the next six tournaments, expanding the format to include four teams. Arabia Saudi has been investing in major sporting events as part of a broader national strategy to enhance its global image.
Financial Incentives and Future of Italian Football
With the urgency to narrow the gap between Serie A and the Premier League, as well as leading UEFA clubs, the move to Arabia Saudi is crucial for Italian football. According to Reuters, Serie A is expected to earn approximately 250 million euros annually from international broadcasting rights by September 2025. The 2025 edition boasts a record prize fund of 27 million US dollars, with 11 million allocated for the champion.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the Supercopa de Italia? The Supercopa de Italia is an annual football match contested by the winners of Serie A and the Copa Italia, as well as the runners-up in both competitions.
- Why is it moving to Arabia Saudi? Serie A aims to globalize its sport and secure financial benefits through this agreement, which also allows Italian football to expand its reach and compete with other top leagues.
- What are the financial incentives for Serie A? By securing international broadcasting rights and hosting the Supercopa in Arabia Saudi, Serie A expects to earn around 250 million euros annually by September 2025.
- How does this impact Arabia Saudi’s football growth? The investment in hosting major sporting events, such as the Supercopa de Italia, supports Arabia Saudi’s strategy to enhance its global image and foster the growth of football within the country.
