Conte praises Inzaghi and the development of Saudi football after the Super Cup
On a memorable night of football in Saudi Arabia, Napoli manager Antonio Conte expressed his immense joy at leading his team to victory and winning the Italian Super Cup. Conte emphasized that this achievement was well-deserved after the team's hard work, while also praising the remarkable progress of Saudi football and the pivotal role played by his compatriot Simone Inzaghi in managing Al-Hilal.
The Italian Super Cup in Saudi Arabia: A strategic partnership and renewed success
Saudi Arabia's hosting of the Italian Super Cup comes as part of a series of successes in organizing major sporting events, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to make sports a key pillar in diversifying the economy and enhancing quality of life. In recent years, Saudi stadiums have transformed into a global stage hosting some of Europe's most prestigious clubs, reflecting international confidence in the Kingdom's infrastructure and organizational capabilities, a point Conte clearly emphasized when discussing the professional atmosphere.
Conte: We defended the badge fiercely
In the press conference following the match, Conte stated: “We delivered a footballing epic, playing with a high fighting spirit even in the critical moments of the match. Our goal was to maintain the team's identity and positive results despite the pressure of the schedule and physical fatigue. We came here with one goal: to defend the badge and the title that we hold with pride.”.
The veteran coach added: “We played a complex tactical final against a tough opponent like Inter, but we continued to work with high concentration and succeeded in winning the title. The players showed great maturity and a real desire to embrace the gold, and this determination is the fuel that drives us to continue writing a new history for the club.”.
Al-Hilal and Inzaghi: A model for global development
In discussing the Saudi Arabian football scene, Conte touched upon Simone Inzaghi's experience with Al-Hilal. Al-Hilal, the Asian powerhouse and the most decorated club in continental and domestic titles, is an attractive environment for top international players and coaches. Conte emphasized that having a name of Inzaghi's stature at the helm of Al-Hilal's coaching staff confirms the qualitative leap the Saudi league has made, becoming a preferred destination for high-caliber technical talent.
Conte said: “Simone Inzaghi is a great coach with a distinctive tactical mind, and his presence with a team of Al-Hilal’s stature clearly reflects the development of the football project in Saudi Arabia. Al-Hilal is a club with a rich history and a broad fan base, and working in such a professional environment gives any coach an extra incentive to achieve success.”.
Praise for the infrastructure and the future
Conte did not fail to praise the quality of the organization and facilities, saying: “The experience in Saudi Arabia was very positive and exceeded expectations. We spent a whole week here, which helped us to strengthen the harmony between the players. The environment here is professional and comprehensive, and provides all means of comfort for the technical staff and players, which gives you a feeling of stability and ambition to perform at your best.”.
The Napoli coach concluded his remarks with an optimistic outlook for the future: “We know the season is still long and difficult, but we must build on this achievement. Pessimism has no place among us, and the league competition is still open. In football, as in life, the word ‘impossible’ should be removed from the dictionary.”.
