Inter's Martinez Seals Super Cup Triumph

 Inter's Martinez Seals Super Cup Triumph

Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale poses for a photo with the Italian EA Sports FC Supercup Final trophy at full-time following victory in the Italian EA Sports FC Supercup Final match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Al-Awwal Stadium on January 22, 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.(Image-Getty)

Inter Milan's captain, Lautaro Martinez, secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over 10-man Napoli in a last-minute goal, clinching their third consecutive Italian Super Cup title on Monday. This triumph marked Inter's eighth Supercoppa title, trailing just one behind Juventus' record of nine. The match, held at Al-Awwal Park, constituted the inaugural final of the newly introduced four-team Super Cup format, featuring the winners and runners-up of the Italian league and cup.

Inter's manager, Simone Inzaghi, who now holds the record for the most Supercoppa titles by a coach with five, acknowledged Napoli's commendable performance. Inzaghi commented, "We must congratulate Napoli; they played a great game. We played a semi-final three days ago and then a final today, it was something new for everyone. We kept our focus high."

The decisive moment occurred in stoppage time when Benjamin Pavard embarked on a remarkable solo run and delivered a precise cross from the right, finding Martinez in the six-yard box for a straightforward finish.

Despite dominating possession, Inter struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage after Giovanni Simeone received a second yellow card and was sent off in the 60th minute for a foul on Francesco Acerbi. Martinez, expressing pride and happiness, said, "I am very proud. We were eliminated from the Italian Cup, so we wanted to win the Super Cup. It was tough, we had a day less rest, we were not sharp, but I am proud of this team. The goal was a great emotion, a unique moment."