Reports in Italy claim Napoli and Fiorentina are considering not participating in the Supercoppa Italiana in Saudi Arabia in January, with Milan and Atalanta ‘ready’ to replace them.
Lega Serie A announced last week the postponement of the competition, which, from this season, involves four clubs rather than just two.
It was supposed to be played from January 4 to January 8, but according to Il Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, the new window identified by Lega Calcio goes from January 21 to 25.
Problems have emerged as, according to both papers, Napoli and Fiorentina are considering withdrawing from the competition. The Partenopei have qualified as Serie A winners, while the Tuscans qualified as Coppa Italia Finalists.
Both clubs were already not enthusiastic about playing in Saudi Arabia and the fresh conflict between Israel and Hamas has raised the perplexity of Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis.
It remains to be seen if Napoli and Fiorentina will eventually play the Supercoppa this coming January, but Milan and Atalanta have reportedly been alerted and are said to be open to replacing the defending Serie A champions and La Viola.
On the other hand, Coppa Italia champions Inter and Serie A runners-up Lazio are not concerned and are expected to play regularly. Lega Serie A has agreed to play four of the next six editions of the Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia.
All OUT!
Supercup to return to Italy!