Having defeated reigning champions AC Milan in the semi-final just four days ago, Napoli came into the game with confidence after previously suffering back-to-back defeats to Benfica and Udinese, and the Partenopei were the better side in the first half.
They created a great chance to take the lead with only 10 minutes on the clock when Scott McTominay’s pass found Eljif Elmas inside the area. However, despite having ample time and space to place his shot, the Macedonian sent his effort wide of the left post when one-on-one with Vanja Milinković-Savić.
Having missed an opportunity minutes earlier, Neres made no mistake when his second chance presented itself to give Napoli the lead six minutes before half time. The Brazilian advanced to within 25 yards of goal and unleashed a left-footed effort which flew over Federico Ravaglia and into the top left-hand corner of the net.
Neres has now opened the scoring in each of his last four goalscoring matches, while it was a familiar feeling for Bologna, who conceded first for the seventh game in succession.
Although Bologna would have been disappointed with their first-half display, they would have known that they were still very much in the contest and could change the outlook at any moment.
However, just 12 minutes into the second half, they only had themselves to blame as they fell two goals behind.
Having tried to play their way out of danger, Ravagila’s pass to Jhon Lucumi under pressure, and the defender was dispossessed by Neres, who dinked the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper to double Napoli’s advantage.
This was only the fifth time in their last 14 matches that the Naples outfit had scored more than one goal in 90 minutes.
The Rossoblù tried their best to get back into the contest, but despite having lost on their two previous visits to the final without scoring, Napoli handled the pressure and kept their cool to negotiate the remainder of the contest and ensure their supporters’ journey to the Middle East was worth it.
Antonio Conte has now won this competition six times, three as a player and three as a manager, as he continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest Italian managers of all time.
Flashscore Man of the Match: David Neres (SSC Napoli)