Lega Serie A chief Lorenzo Casini confirms Italian football will decide next month whether to follow Spain in changing the Supercoppa to a final four format in Saudi Arabia. ‘We are studying it.’
It kicks off at 19.00 GMT, you can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the LIVEBLOG.
The venue for the Derby della Madonnina is the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia between the winners of Serie A and the Coppa Italia.
“We are very pleased with the welcome, it is our third time coming here to Saudi Arabia, the 12th edition abroad for the Supercoppa Italiana,” Casini told Sport Mediaset.
“This is an opportunity we should embrace to promote our football, one of the many excellencies of our country.”
Barcelona beat Real Madrid in this very stadium last week to lift the Spanish Supercup, which came after semi-finals and a final.
It had been reported that Italy were in talks to follow suit and Casini effectively confirmed this is in the works.
“Spain anticipated everyone with the final four model and Serie A are studying it. This too is an opportunity and the board will decide in February.”
There was a trade of barbed comments with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina over the decision to play a Milan Derby in Saudi Arabia, but Casini hit back.
“I wish to point out that six years ago a contract was signed with Saudi Arabia, so it is hardly a new situation and I am surprised people are treating it as such.
“There are many positive benefits, both economic and looking to future investments from Saudi Arabia in our infrastructure.”