AC Milan has claimed the Supercoppa Italiana title with an impressive comeback victory over rivals Inter Milan, winning 3-2 at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025. The Rossoneri, trailing 2-0 at halftime, put on a thrilling second-half performance to secure their first trophy under new coach Sérgio Conceição.
The match started with Inter Milan taking control early on, with Lautaro Martinez scoring just before halftime. Following his goal, Mehdi Taremi doubled the lead within seconds of the second half, putting Milan on the back foot. It seemed like Inter would cruise to their fourth consecutive Supercoppa victory.
Despite the bleak situation, Milan showed unwavering determination. The turning point came when Conceição introduced Rafael Leao to the pitch. His presence sparked life back to the team; after being fouled at the edge of the area, Theo Hernandez stepped up to take the resulting free-kick. Hernandez’s curled shot found the back of the net at the near post, edging Milan closer at 2-1.
Inter Milan's initial momentum faltered as Milan began to dismantle their defense. Each attacking move brought renewed hope, and the Rossoneri came close to equalizing with several opportunities. After continuous pressure, Christian Pulisic finally leveled the score at 2-2. Tracking back to meet Hernandez’s cross, Pulisic skillfully maneuvered through defenders and struck the ball with his left foot, sending it low to the far corner.
With the score tied and the possibility of penalties looming, the drama escalated. The match entered stoppage time, and Leao once again became instrumental. He ran onto Pulisic's through ball and laid it off for substitute Tammy Abraham, who tapped it in from just a couple of yards out, igniting celebrations among the Milan supporters.
This victory marks Milan's first title since 2022 and their first Supercoppa since 2016. Their newfound resilience and tactical prowess under Conceição have quickly revitalized the squad following their rocky start to the season, which included the dismissal of former coach Paulo Fonseca.
"This win is significant for us and our fans, showing how we can turn the game around even when faced with adversity," Pulisic stated after the match, reflecting the spirit and the turnaround his team displayed.
The victory also showcased the depth of talent within the Milan squad, with Hernandez, Pulisic, and Leao stepping up at pivotal moments. Their performances were highlighted not just as instrumental; they illustrated the tactical shift and adaptability brought about by the new management.
For Inter, the defeat was particularly bitter, considering their strong start and dominance over the match. Coach Simone İnzaghi expressed disappointment, emphasizing the need for stronger defensive discipline: "We lost our focus at key moments, which cost us the match. It’s something we need to address moving forward."
Fans and analysts praised Milan's perseverance, highlighting the fact they did not give up after trailing by two goals—a reflection of the character instilled by their new coach. The energy and urgency within the team changed the game's narrative, showcasing the power of belief and teamwork.
With this victory, expectations are now high for AC Milan as they aim to charge through the Serie A season and other competitions. The Supercoppa win serves as not just silverware but also as a pivotal moment to build momentum. Critics will be watching closely to see if they can maintain this newfound form and compete for more titles as the season progresses.
This year's Supercoppa Italiana final will be remembered not only for the thrilling results but for the transformation of AC Milan from underdogs to champions, echoing back to the legendary resilience the club is known for. It is clear this season might be just the start of something special for the Rossoneri and their supporters, celebrating this monumental victory as they look forward to challenges ahead.