Although several of Europe's "Big 5" leagues have resumed action, Serie A is still on its official hiatus. However, calcio fans need not fret, as the latest edition of the Supercoppa Italiana is around the corner and will feature the two most successful sides in the competition: Juventus and AC Milan.
Here's all you need to know ahead of the latest installment of the Supercoppa Italiana.
When does the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana take place?
Although we are already in 2019, this will be officially the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana, and it is set to take place on January 16, 2019 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Given all the controversy surrounding the country, namely the recent murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in a Turkish embassy, plus concerns about the unequal treatment of women who wished to attend the match, this venue was not a very popular choice for some observers in Italy and around the world.
However, the match is still taking place in Saudi Arabia as planned, and one team will have the chance to kick off 2019 with some silverware in what should be an exciting tie between two of Italy's biggest sides.
Which teams are playing in the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana?
This year will feature Juventus once again as the Bianconeri are the reigning Scudetto champions. La Vecchia Signora have featured in the last seven Supercoppa Italiana ties dating back to 2012, and their upcoming opponents will be AC Milan, who are aiming to win their first Supercoppa since 2016.
This will be the third meeting between Juventus and Milan in this annual competition. So far, Juventus have won once, in 2003, while Milan beat them in 2016. Interestingly, both prior encounters were decided on spot-kicks.
Who are the current champions?
Last year's Supercoppa Italiana was won by Lazio, who edged out Juventus 3-2 in an exciting clash at the Stadio Olimpico. Juventus will be seeking to win their first Supercoppa Italiana since 2015, while AC Milan famously became the first ever Coppa Italia runner-up to win it when they defeated the Bianconeri back in 2016.
What are the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana broadcast channels?
Below is how you can follow the 2018 Supercoppa Italiana on TV, online, and on demand:
- In the USA: ESPN Deportes, ESPN Deportes+, ESPN2
- In the UK: BT Sport 1, BT Sport Live
- In Italy: RAI Play, SKY Go Italia, Sky Sport Serie A, RAI Uno, Sky Supercalcio HD
- In Canada: FloFC
Make sure you regularly check out our dedicated 2018 Supercoppa Italiana page for updated broadcast listings leading up to the match on January 16th.
