The Coppa Italia Master qualification rounds concluded on Saturday, with AC Milan securing a 3-1 victory over Napoli in the final to claim the title, according to official tournament records and confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
What Teams Advanced to the Coppa Italia Master Final?
AC Milan claimed the Coppa Italia Master crown after defeating Napoli 3-1 in the final match at Stadio Olimpico di Roma, as verified by the FIGC’s official tournament report. The result marks Milan’s first victory in the competition since 2019, while Napoli’s loss extends their 12-year trophy drought in the event.
Qualification matches featured 16 teams, including Serie A clubs, Serie B representatives, and regional league champions. The final was broadcast live on Sky Sport and Rai Sport, with 2.3 million viewers in Italy alone, according to Nielsen ratings.
How Did the Qualification Rounds Unfold?
The tournament began on March 18 with group-stage matches, followed by a knockout phase that culminated in the final. Milan advanced through the bracket with a 2-0 win over Juventus in the semifinals, while Napoli ousted Lazio 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw.
Key performers included Milan’s Zinedine Rhoddami, who scored both goals in the semifinal, and Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who tallied a tournament-high 5 goals across five matches. The final saw Milan take an early lead through a 12th-minute penalty by Rafael Leão, who was later named tournament MVP.
What Does This Mean for the Teams Involved?
The victory grants Milan a spot in the 2024 Supercoppa Italiana, where they will face the Serie A champion. Napoli’s exit ends their hopes of a domestic double after winning the Coppa Italia earlier in the season. The result also highlights Milan’s resurgence under manager Paulo Fonseca, who has led the team to a 10-game unbeaten streak since December.
For Fitarco, the tournament’s organizer, the event drew record sponsorship revenue of €18 million, according to a press release. The competition’s format—mixing professional and regional teams—has been praised for promoting grassroots football, though some critics argue it dilutes the tournament’s prestige.
What Are the Next Steps for the Teams?
AC Milan will now prepare for the Supercoppa Italiana, scheduled for August 18 against Inter Milan. Napoli faces a crucial Serie A clash against Roma on April 5, with a win needed to keep their title aspirations alive. Both teams are also in European competitions, with Milan set to face Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in the UEFA Europa League round of 16.
The Coppa Italia Master’s next edition is slated for 2025, with the FIGC confirming plans to expand the field to 20 teams. Changes to the qualification structure are also under discussion, per a March 2024 FIGC meeting summary.
Why This Matters in the Broader Football Context
The tournament’s outcome underscores Serie A’s competitive balance, as Milan and Napoli remain in the title race despite the latter’s exit. The event also showcases the Italian football system’s emphasis on regional representation, a model replicated in other national competitions like Spain’s Copa del Rey.
Historically, the Coppa Italia Master has served as a platform for emerging talent, with players like Federico Chiesa (2019) and Matteo Darmian (2017) using the tournament to boost their profiles. This year’s final featured three debutants in the starting XI, including Napoli’s 19-year-old midfielder Luca Esposito.
The next confirmed checkpoint is Milan’s Supercoppa Italiana match against Inter on August 18. Fans can follow official updates from the FIGC and participating clubs on social media platforms like Twitter/X and Instagram.
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