The Supercoppa Italiana (Italian Super Cup) is a pre-season football competition usually held the week before the official Serie A begins in Italy every year in August. It machtes up the winners of the Serie A and the Coppa Italia in the previous season, and serves as a curtain raiser to the new one.

The competition is supposed to be played within the home of the Serie A champions, but due to sponsorship issues, the Italian Super Cup has often been played in different locations throughout the world. Precisely, in 1993 and 2003 both finals were held in the United States cities of Washington, D.C. and East Rutherford, New Jersey (near New York ). The 2002 final was played in the Libyan capital Tripoli whereas three of the past five games have been played in the Bird's Nest of Beijing, China. This year’s 27th edition will be played in the city of Doha, Qatar at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The game was supposed to be played on August 24, 2014, but due to Napoli's appearance in the Champions League Play-off Round, the team asked to reschedule the game during Serie A's winter break. Juventus will be making a record 10th appearance, and seeking their seventh cup. The two teams will be meeting in the Supercoppa Italiana for the third time, each winning once. Coincidentally, Napoli's three total appearances have all have been against Juventus.

The two previous matchup between the two teams in this competition aren't easy to forget. In 1990, the Partenopei caused an upset dismantling Juventus for 5-1 at the San Paolo Stadium. That was the best Napoli ever, with Maradona, Careca, Ciro Ferrara and Alemao on the pitch. The consolation goal for Juventus, whose defensive performance was disastrous, was netted by Roberto Baggio from a free-kick.

The second Supercoppa Italiana between la Vecchia Signora and Napoli dates back to 2012 and was played in Beijing. This time the cup was raised by the Bianconeri after an outstanding 4-2 (after the overtime) win by La Vecchia Signora for the 6th time since 1988. Two Napoli's players and coach Walter Mazzarri were expelled and the team didn't take part to the award ceremony to protest against the referee, something they were fined for. 

This will be a great chance for Rafa Benitez’s Napoli to make a change to its season after disputing an unconvincing start of the first Serie A leg with6 games won, 6 draws and 2 losses, which came after the disappointing elimination from the Champions League Play-off Round against Athletic Bilbao, which relegated the team to the purgatory group stage of the Europa League. Napoli topped that group.

Moreover, the team is still struggling with smaller teams as Boss Benitez is expressing frustration giving away several draws in the last couple of weeks, culminated with the defeat to Milan. As for Juventus, after conquering the third Tricolore in a row, this could be a great opportunity to end a terrific season by winning another national trophy to be placed in the showcase. The Bianconeri reached the first target of the season, going through Champions' League first round after a goalless draw against Atletico Madrid. This will likely give the team a boost for their 10th Italian Supercup final.

Furthermore, with the new 4-3-1-2 tactic), Massimiliano Allegri is succeeding in giving the squad a different identity by keeping high intensity in every game just as Antonio Conte used to do. It might not be the English Premier League’s Boxing Day, but both teams will absolutely assure great show and a high quality game thanks to top players like Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez before a deserved winter break.

Do you want to watch the Italian Supercup final at the Jassin Bin Hamad stadium in Doha on next 23rd December? EsaTour Sport Events is the best choice. The Italian-based agency offers the best accommodation and ticketing options available. Write an email to [email protected] for more informations about the Juventus-Napoli event!

 

Follow @alessio_manes