The highly anticipated clash between Inter Milan and Atalanta marks the opening bout of the Supercoppa Italiana 2025 semifinals, as Italian football resumes its spotlight. The match is set for January 2, 2025, kicking off at 20:00 local time at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This year, the competition adopts the exciting format of the Final Four, heightening the stakes for the four top clubs involved.
Mediaset has secured exclusive broadcasting rights, ensuring fans can watch the live action on Canale 5. For those preferring digital platforms, the match will also be available for streaming on Mediaset Infinity, making it easily accessible to viewers across Italy and beyond.
The matchup pits Inter, the current Serie A champions, against Atalanta, the runners-up from last year's Coppa Italia after they lost to Juventus. The winner of this semifinal will advance to the final on January 6, where they will take on the victor of the Juventus versus Milan match, scheduled for January 3.
Both squads are coming off strong seasons, with Inter aiming to secure the Supercoppa title once again after winning it last year under the new Final Four format. Their head coach, Simone Inzaghi, has emphasized the importance of maintaining performance under pressure, especially against strong contenders like Atalanta. “Winning this title matters to us as we build on last year’s success,” he stated during the press conference leading up to the match.
Atalanta’s coach, Gian Piero Gasperini, also acknowledges the challenge presented by Inter, noting, “They are tough opponents, but we are prepared and eager to compete at this level.” This sentiment reflects the competitive spirit both teams have shown throughout the season.
Analysts have pointed out the significance of individual players ready to make their mark. For Inter, all eyes are on Lautaro Martínez, who has previously scored goals across three different editions of the Supercoppa Italiana. Should he score again, he would become the first player to do so across four editions, enhancing his standing among Italy’s elite strikers.
Probable lineups suggest Inter will deploy their standard 3-5-2 formation with goalkeeper Yann Sommer guarded by defenders Stefan de Vrij, Bastoni, and Bisseck. The midfield will feature key players like Nicolò Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu, with Martínez and Thuram leading the attack.
Atalanta, on the other hand, is expected to line up with a 3-4-2-1 formation, putting their focus on defensive solidity and quick counter-attacks. Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi will lead the charge from the back, with players like Charles De Ketelaere and Ademola Lookman providing extra threat upfront.
Given the stakes and the recent performances of both teams—Inter having easily bested Atalanta 4-0 in their last two encounters—this matchup promises to be fiercely contested. Historical trends indicate Inter holds the upper hand, as they have won all six of the most recent encounters across all competitions. Meanwhile, Atalanta aims to break their scoring drought against Inter since 1977.
The match is not only important for immediate bragging rights; it sets the stage for potential long-term advantages for the winner heading toward the rest of the season. The Supercoppa Italiana's history showcases its significance as it combines Italy’s top teams in a unique showdown, and this year's tournament continues to add to its rich legacy.
Post-match coverage is also expected to be comprehensive, as Mediaset will provide analysis and highlights, ensuring fans remain intertwined with the tournament's excitement. After this semifinal on January 2, all eyes will shift to the Juventus-Milan clash, followed by the final showdown on January 6, 2025.
With the anticipation building, football fans across Italy and the globe are gearing up to witness what will undoubtedly be another thrilling chapter of Italian football history. The heart and passion of the Supercoppa will be on full display as Inter and Atalanta vie for the chance to hoist the coveted trophy.