This Thursday evening, the Italian football season takes a glamorous and lucrative detour to the Middle East as Napoli and AC Milan clash in a highly anticipated Supercoppa Italiana semi-final. The match, however, will not be played on Italian soil, but at the Al-Awwal Park (King Saud University Stadium) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Why is the Supercoppa Italiana being played in Saudi Arabia?
The relocation of Italy's prestigious super cup to a neutral venue thousands of miles away is the result of a major commercial strategy. Serie A has entered into a multi-year agreement with Saudi Arabia to host the tournament, a move designed to significantly boost the global profile of Italian football.
This deal provides a vital financial injection for the participating clubs and Italian football as a whole. Simultaneously, it furthers Saudi Arabia's ambitious 'Vision 2030' project, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.
Prize money and tournament format
The financial incentives for the four clubs involved are substantial. The competition boasts a total prize pool of around £20 million. The ultimate champion will pocket a handsome £7 million, with the runner-up receiving £4.3 million.
Even the teams exiting at the semi-final stage are guaranteed a significant payday. Each participant is assured a minimum of £1.4 million just for qualifying for the four-team tournament. The second semi-final sees Inter Milan take on Bologna at the same Riyadh venue on Friday, with the final scheduled for Monday, 6th January.
How to watch Napoli vs AC Milan in the UK
For football fans in the United Kingdom, the broadcast rights for this exotic fixture are held by Premier Sports. Coverage of the semi-final will be available on Premier Sports 1, with their programming typically beginning just before the 7:00pm GMT kick-off to deliver team news and expert analysis.
Viewers who prefer to stream the action can do so via the official Premier Sports app or website. Access is granted to existing subscribers, or through the purchase of a monthly Premier Player pass.
This Thursday's match pits the reigning Serie A champions, Napoli, against the historic giants of AC Milan in a contest where more than just a place in the final is at stake. With millions in prize money on the line and the eyes of a growing international audience watching, the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia represents the modern fusion of elite sport and global commercial ambition.
