Napoli secured a 2-0 victory over AC Milan in Thursday’s Italian Super Cup semi-final played in Riyadh.
David Neres gave Napoli the lead shortly before half-time, while Rasmus Hojlund’s lightning low shot just after the hour mark wrapped up the contest at the King Saud University Stadium, one of the proposed venues for the 2034 World Cup.
With the win, the Serie A champions will take on the winner of Friday’s second semi-final between Bologna and Inter Milan in Monday’s final.
“We put in a big performance, both in commitment and intent. It’s an important win for the team,” said Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo.
Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted his side paid the price for defensive lapses, saying: “Once again we’ve conceded two goals far too easily.”
Napoli are chasing their third triumph in the annual competition, and their first since 2014.
The victory in Saudi Arabia provided a timely boost after Napoli’s 1-0 league defeat to Udinese at the weekend, a result that left them third in Serie A, two points behind Inter and one adrift of Milan.
This year’s competition is the 38th edition of the Italian Super Cup, featuring the Serie A and Italian Cup champions alongside the league and cup runners-up, and is contracted to be staged in Saudi Arabia until 2029.