The first semi-final of the Italian Super Cup between Inter and Atalanta is being played in absolute silence in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: a surreal atmosphere not suited to the importance of the match, with the stands also presenting desolate emptiness.
Big surprise for the Italian viewers who tuned in to Canale 5 at 8pm to watch the first semi-final of the Italian Super Cup between Inter and Atalanta (the second match between Juventus and Milan is scheduled for tomorrow): after referee Chiffi has given the go-ahead to the match, we left in absolute silencea surreal atmosphere that we are not used to, much less on the sidelines of such an important match. Not only no choirs, but not even that shouting, that empathetic excitement that permeates the stands of Italian and European stadiums. Everyone remained silent, those who showed up at Al-Awwal Parkthe 25,000 seat stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, which hosts the home matches of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. Not very many, to be honest, given that the television images return gods desolate voids in the stands.
It’s not just the absence of a full house that creates an environment that resembles an aquarium rather than the bubbling basin of enthusiasm that should surround a match of this importance: There is also obviously a different way of ‘cheering’ among Saudi fans compared to Europeanstaking into account the fact that almost all of the spectators present in Riyadh are local, with few arriving from Italy. Distance, costs and logistical difficulties have understandably discouraged the supporters of Inter and Atalanta, leaving space in the stands for the Arab public.
All taken into account, moreover, when Italian football has decided to export the Super Cup to Saudi Arabia, with the new Final Four format. A move obviously dictated by economic reasonsas the CEO of the Lega Serie A De Siervo clearly explained in March 2023, when the signing of the contract with the Saudis for the dispute of 4 Super Cups in the following 6 years in Saudi was announced, starting from January 2024: “Next season the 4-team Super Cup will earn 23 million“. A figure which, net of a small percentage retained in the League’s coffers, will be distributed every year among the four participants.
Inter-Atalanta in the Italian Super Cup, where to watch it on TV and streaming: official lineups
Multiplying 23 million by 4 editions, we obtain 92 million: this is the price of silence we have to witnessoccasionally broken up with some timid prodding when there is dangerous action. But it doesn’t last long, then everything goes silent again, very sadly.
