On January 2, 2025, Inter Milan and Atalanta will clash in the semifinals of the EA Sports FC Supercup, marking the beginning of Italy's prestigious Supercoppa Italiana tournament. The match will take place at Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with kickoff scheduled for 20:00 Italian time.
Inter arrives at this encounter as the defending champions, having triumphed in the last two editions of the Supercoppa. The team, managed by Simone Inzaghi, is currently positioned third in Serie A, just one point behind Atalanta, who leads the league with 41 points alongside Napoli. The stakes are high as both teams are eager to secure the first trophy of the season.
For Atalanta, under the guidance of Gian Piero Gasperini, this match presents an opportunity not only for silverware but also to continue their impressive form, which has seen them maintain a streak of twelve unbeaten matches. Marten de Roon, one of Atalanta's midfield stalwarts, remarked, "It's nice to play these games" as he embraced the challenge of facing off against the reigning champions.
Inter's press conference featured Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who stated, "We want to lift another trophy for our fans," highlighting the team's determination to succeed. Mkhitaryan acknowledged the quality of the Atalanta side, saying, "Tomorrow’s game will be key, we know they are playing very well." He also emphasized the need for Inter to maintain their winning momentum following recent successes.
The match promises to be intense, with both teams showcasing their strongest lineups. Inter is expected to adopt a 3-5-2 formation, featuring players like Goalkeeper Yann Sommer and forwards Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram. Meanwhile, Atalanta is likely to field their own 3-4-1-2 setup, with key players such as goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi and forwards Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman.
Historical data indicates Inter's dominance over Atalanta, with the former enjoying 77 victories out of 140 encounters. Last season, Inter inflicted a heavy 4-0 defeat on Atalanta, but both squads have evolved considerably since then. Bookmakers see Inter as the slight favorite heading to this semifinal, yet experts suggest it could be closely contested, with both teams capable of finding the net.
Fans can catch the live broadcast of the match on Canale 5, with streaming options available through Mediaset Infinity. The event marks the first trophy up for grabs this season, with players and fans alike eagerly anticipating the kickoff.
Atalanta's aspirations for their first Supercoppa title are strong, as they look to capitalize on their current league form. The team's resilience and tactics could prove pivotal against the seasoned Inter side. With all eyes on Riyadh, the stage is set for what promises to be an exciting and historic match-up between two elite Italian clubs.