Vincenzo Italiano praises Bologna after penalty shoot-out win over Inter
Bologna stunned Inter Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana after a dramatic penalty shoot-out, earning a place in the final against Napoli in Riyadh on Monday evening.
Antonio Conte hails Napoli's Italian Super Cup triumph over Bologna
Napoli defeated Bologna 2-0 in the final in Riyadh, with David Neres scoring both goals. The Partenopei had previously beaten AC Milan by the same scoreline in the semi-final, completing their third Supercoppa victory after wins in 1990-91 and 2014-15. Only the first had been achieved alongside a Scudetto.
"The lads deserve congratulations for an impeccable tournament, both against Milan and Bologna," Conte told Sport Mediaset. "They showed how much they wanted this trophy for the fans. We are coming off a Scudetto and a Supercoppa Italiana, beating very strong teams like Inter, Milan and Bologna.
"Now we can also enjoy a great Christmas celebration with a new trophy in the cabinet."
This marks Conte's second Supercoppa win, after his 2013-14 triumph with Juventus, and his second trophy at Napoli.
Conte reflected on the importance of winning finals, saying: "Those who win remain in history. Napoli lost the Supercoppa Final two years ago against Inter, but few remember that. Winning the Scudetto and beating a great team like Milan in the semi-final was already a great journey, but in football the only thing that matters is who won.
"When you lose a Final, it increases your determination. You try not to experience those ugly moments again."
He also praised Bologna, who were appearing in their first Supercoppa after ending a 51-year wait for silverware with last season's Coppa Italia. "I want to congratulate Bologna. They are real protagonists of Italian football now. Vincenzo Italiano, the players and club deserve praise for all that they are doing."
Despite Napoli's recent success, Conte cautioned against claiming supremacy in Serie A. "No, I wouldn't feel right saying that at all," he said. "We won the title last season with a very reduced squad, we introduced many new players this summer, and are therefore not at all ready to be in a commanding position.
"We must stay close to the Champions League zone, because this will be a very tough year. Work is the only way to climb the rankings. We are not even close to being ready to command."
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