Napoli likely to stick with the same XI for the Supercoppa final while Bologna will lean on striker Thijs Dallinga. Betting angle: back Napoli to win or avoid defeat (double chance) and consider Dallinga as an anytime scorer — a narrow Napoli win or low-scoring game is the most probable outcome for punters.
Napoli Set for Supercoppa Final with Minimal Changes
Napoli head into the Supercoppa final against Bologna expected to keep the same starting eleven that beat Milan in the semifinal. The defending Serie A champions will be without several key players through injury, but the coach appears ready to trust the settled 3-4-3 shape that delivered recent success.
Kick-off and Context
The final kicks off at 20:00 CET (19:00 GMT) in Riyadh. Napoli beat Milan in the Supercoppa semi, while Bologna reached the final after defeating Inter on penalties. Napoli seek to add another trophy, while Bologna aim to capitalize on momentum from their Coppa Italia success.
Team News and Injuries
Napoli injuries: Alex Meret, Kevin De Bruyne, Billy Gilmour and Frank Zambo Anguissa are unavailable, forcing rotation options in goal and midfield. Despite absences, the manager is expected to persist with the same system and personnel that recently delivered a win.
Bologna injuries: Federico Bernardeschi, Lukasz Skorupski, Remo Freuler and Nicolò Casale are sidelined. The Rossoblu will likely deploy a 4-2-3-1 with Thijs Dallinga leading the line after scoring against Napoli in their last league meeting.
Tactical Preview
Napoli look set to use a 3-4-3 formation focused on defensive solidity and quick transitions. Juan Jesus is expected to start in central defence, offering physical presence and experience. Eljif Elmas is tipped to play as the attacking midfielder in the front three alongside David Neres, providing creativity and support for Rasmus Hojlund.
Bologna will likely set up in a compact 4-2-3-1, relying on Dallinga’s finishing and Giovanni Fabbian’s creativity behind him. Midfield balance will be provided by Lewis Ferguson and Tommaso Pobega, aiming to win duels and supply the forward line.
Key Matchups
- Napoli’s back three vs Dallinga: Napoli must handle Dallinga’s movement and finishing threat. - Midfield battle: With Napoli missing several midfielders, McTominay and Lobotka will be crucial to control the centre. - Creative outlets: Elmas and David Neres versus Bologna’s Fabbian and Orsolini could decide who creates the decisive chances.
Probable Line-ups
Napoli (3-4-3): Milinkovic-Savic; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Juan Jesus; Politano, Lobotka, McTominay, Spinazzola; David Neres, Hojlund, Elmas.
Bologna (4-2-3-1): Ravaglia; Holm, Heggem, Lucumí, Miranda; Ferguson, Pobega; Orsolini, Fabbian, Cambiaghi; Dallinga.
Betting Angle
Napoli’s settled XI and defensive continuity make them marginal favorites; a Napoli win or double chance (Napoli win/draw) is a sensible market. Given Dallinga’s recent goal against Napoli, anytime scorer markets on him offer value. Expect a close, potentially low-scoring affair — handicaps and under 2.5 goals markets are worth considering for cautious punters.
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