Napoli Beats Juventus On Penalty Kicks To Take Italian Super Cup On Back Of Goaltender Rafael, Denying Massimiliano Allegri Chance At Title

It came down to penalty shots, but Napoli defeated Juventus to win the Italian Super Cup Monday, Dec. 22, according to the Associated Press, via Sports Illustrated. Napoli goaltender Rafael made the winning save on Juventus's Simone Padoin on the final shot after Kalidou Koulibaly converted for Napoli. The shoot-out decided a match that had been stalled at 2-2 after extra time.

The tension of the match was matched only by the anticipation of it, as the Super Cup is usually played in August, according to Football Italia. But this year, fans had to wait months due to scheduling conflicts and international commitments to see the winner.

They got their money's worth, but the largely Juventus-supporting crowd of 14,000 ultimately went home disappointed.

Carlos Tevez beat Rafeal to open the scoring after a Napoli mishap on defense led to a one-on-one. After several missed opportunities, Napoli tied the match in the 68th minute on a goal from Jonathan de Guzman. Tevez scored again in extra time to put Juventus up, seemingly for good.

But Napoli battled back with Gonzalo Higuain tallying the tying goal with just two minutes left, the AP reported. The goal stood up and Napoli overcame in penalty kicks.

The win was Napoli's second in the Italian Super Cup. They lost in the cup in 2012 in extra time, but won in 1990 after beating Juventus 5-1.

Juventus seemed to be in control of this match and owned much of the momentum after regaining the lead immediately at the start of the second half. The first two shooters in penalty kicks failed to convert. Then the scoring started, until Rafeal nabbed Padoin's attempt to end it.

The victory denied Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri his first chance at a trophy, The Guardian reported. Juventus also missed out on a third straight title in the competition.