Inter Triumphs Over Atalanta to Reach Italian Super Cup Final
With two goals from Dutch international Denzel Dumfries, Inter Milan, the reigning champions of the past three editions, secured their spot in the Italian Super Cup final by defeating Atalanta 2-0 in the semifinals at “Al-Awwal Park” in Riyadh.
The Serie A champions will face the winner of the Juventus vs. AC Milan clash later tonight in a final set for Monday in the Saudi capital. Riyadh previously hosted the competition in 2019, 2022, and 2023, while Jeddah held the 2018 edition.
This semifinal was a high-stakes showdown, featuring the top two teams in Italy this season, separated by just one point in the Serie A standings. Atalanta leads with 41 points (ahead of Napoli on goal difference), while Inter sits third with 40 points and a game in hand against Fiorentina.
With the contest so tightly matched, predicting a winner was no easy task. Inter, eight-time Super Cup champions, fielded a full-strength squad against an Atalanta side unbeaten since losing to Como in the fifth round of the league on September 24. Since then, Atalanta had played 19 matches across all competitions, winning 15, drawing three, and losing just once (2-3 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League).
Inter dominated early, creating several scoring opportunities, particularly through their Argentine captain and top scorer, Lautaro Martínez. The breakthrough, however, came four minutes into the second half.
A corner kick found German defender Yann Aurel Bisseck, who directed it towards Dumfries. The Dutchman delivered a spectacular bicycle kick to open the scoring.
Simone Inzaghi’s men maintained their momentum and doubled their lead with a swift counterattack. Federico Dimarco surged down the left side and passed to substitute Mehdi Taremi. Although the Iranian striker failed to control the ball, it fell to Dumfries, who unleashed a thunderous shot from the edge of the penalty area. The ball struck the underside of the crossbar before settling into the net (61′).
Atalanta nearly pulled one back when Brazilian substitute Ederson found the net, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review (74′).
After the match, coach Simone Inzaghi praised his team’s performance, stating: “The players delivered an excellent match. There was no doubt about it, especially against a team of such high quality. We wanted this final.”
He added, “Now, we know the most important step is yet to come—the final. But creating so many chances against Atalanta is something to be proud of.”
Inzaghi continued, “Our only mistake was not killing the game off earlier, but I truly cannot complain given the quality of our opponent. I’m very pleased, especially considering the travel and packed match schedule. Yet, we showed determination and focus, surpassing all expectations this season.”
On Inter’s defenders frequently contributing goals, Inzaghi commented: “This is our style of football. Our defenders press high and join attacking moves, putting themselves in the right positions. Dumfries’ goals are no surprise; he consistently scores for Inter and the Netherlands.”
Regarding French striker Marcus Thuram’s injury, which forced him off at halftime, Inzaghi said: “I’m not sure if he will be available for the final. He felt muscle tightness and was uncomfortable, so it was better not to risk him.”
