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<ul><li>Inter celebrate three Supercoppa wins in a row, with last two in the Saudi capital city</li><li>‘We’ve many fans in Saudi and I’m glad they’re happy’ – Inter boss Simone Inzaghi</li><li>The tournament was just one part of the Kingdom’s incredible sports story in 2024</li></ul>

“I live for this, this is why I play football” – Inter assist hero Benjamin Pavard revels in Riyadh success

Serie A

Frosinone

Inter

SSC Napoli

Bologna

A dramatic injury-time winner from Lautaro Martinez won the EA Sports FC Supercup final between Inter and Napoli at a sold-out Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on Monday – but someone else should be receiving just as many plaudits.Inter’s success makes it the third year in a row that they have won the Supercoppa Italiana, and the second successive time winning the trophy in Riyadh after last year’s 3-0 victory over AC Milan.With the final set to head straight to a penalty shootout after 90 minutes, Martinez swept home the clinching strike in stoppage time to spark wild celebrations among the Inter contingent. The Argentine, who won his first trophy as Inter captain, was booked for taking his shirt off and running the length of the pitch to celebrate with the Inter fans at the other end of the ground in Riyadh. None of that, however, would have been possible without the lung-bursting assist from French defender Benjamin Pavard, who sprinted on an overlap to play a one-two with Alexis Sanchez and cross for goal-hero Martinez.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In an exclusive interview with GOAL, Pavard smiled that he “didn’t know” how he got the energy for such a lung-bursting run that deep into the final. Pavard added: “I was looking for my team-mates, usually there would be (Henrikh) Mkhitaryan, Marcus (Thuram) or Lautaro at the back, and this time it was Lautaro. We know he is a great attacker; he had an opportunity and he scored.” The 27-year-old right-sided defender has now won 15 trophies in his career, including the World Cup with France and the Champions League with Bayern Munich. Having moved to Inter in the summer though, this marks the first time he has won a competition with the San Siro giants – much to his delight. Pavard said: “This is my first trophy with Inter – I have already won several trophies in my young career, but this is my first with Inter and I am hungry for more. I live for this; this is why I play football and I am very happy.” He added: “To win it at the end was a super scenario. We came to win, and we did. Now we will celebrate and then we will rest because we have important games coming in Serie A.” Prior to the final, Inter manager Simone Inzaghi had spoken about how reaching the club’s second successive Supercoppa final in Riyadh has grown their name and appeal “lots” in the rapidly expanding footballing world of Saudi Arabia. And victory has only increased that belief. Inzaghi said: “We have many fans here in Saudi and I am glad that they are happy, moreover we have our fans from Milan here and I think it was really nice of Martinez and the bench to go and celebrate the goal with them.” Martinez commented: “I know what winning this important trophy means for the season and for Inter and for all the people, we are very happy.” Inter, who entered the competition as Coppa Italia winners, sit second in Serie A, one point behind Juventus but with a game in hand.

WHAT DID THEY SAY?

The 36th edition of the historic Supercoppa Italiana marked the fourth time that the prestigious event has been held in Saudi Arabia. The competition, incorporated in 1988 as a two-team match between the winners of Serie A and the Coppa Italia, has also previously been held in the USA, Libya, China and Qatar – beginning with America back in 1993. This year’s Supercoppa – the first time ever it has been a four-team competition – was the latest illustration of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to host the very best international events across all sports, with football right at the forefront. Inter reached the final by beating Lazio 3-0 at Al Awwal Park on Friday. Serie A winners Napoli earned their spot by defeating Fiorentina by the same scoreline at the same venue the night before.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Supercoppa Italiana follows in the footsteps of the Supercopa de Espana (Spanish Super Cup) which was also recently held in Saudi Arabia. The tournament, held in a similar format to that of the Supercoppa Italiana, saw Spanish giants Real Madrid defeat Barcelona 4-1 in the final in what was a fascinating and memorable clash in Riyadh.

DID YOU KNOW?

While enabling the Kingdom to build relationships and showcase the unique football culture to the world, hosting events like these provides new opportunities for the Saudi people to be inspired, pursue dreams, and realise potential.Both competitions have helped kick-start an incredible year-round schedule of international sports in the Kingdom, with football, motorsport, tennis, esports, combat sports, golf, and equestrian events all locked in for 2024 – and more to come.

WHAT NEXT?

“I live for this, this is why I play football” – Inter assist hero Benjamin Pavard revels in Riyadh success | Goal.com Australia

EA Sports FC Supercup final between Inter and Napoli at a sold-out Al Awwal Park on Monday was settled by a dramatic injury-time winner from Lautaro Martinez