AC Milan achieved a remarkable feat by winning the Supercoppa Italiana on January 6, 2025, overcoming a 2-0 deficit against their fierce rivals Inter Milan to claim victory with a final score of 3-2. The thrilling comeback, witnessed by 22,508 fans at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, not only avenged their loss from the previous year's final but also added another trophy to Milan's illustrious history, marking their 53rd major title.
The match started ominously for AC Milan. Goals from Inter's Lautaro Martínez and Mehdi Taremi gave the Nerazzurri a commanding lead and seemed to put the match firmly in their grasp. Yet, the Rossoneri demonstrated unwavering determination and character. Following Theo Hernández's stunning free-kick, Christian Pulisic leveled the score just minutes later, sending the Milan fans, many of whom had traveled from far and wide—some as far as China—into ecstasy.
Eventually, the match concluded with Tammy Abraham’s dramatic stoppage-time goal, sealing the victory for Milan. Celebrations erupted among players and supporters alike as they expressed their collective joy and relief—an emotion many referred to as the magical moments of football. “Beautiful atmosphere in a beautiful country,” Abraham remarked after the match. His sentiment was echoed by teammate Rafael Leão, who praised the Saudi fans, saying, “They created a beautiful vibe. Winning something with Milan is full of emotion. It’s a collective win.”
This victory serves not only as a morale booster for AC Milan but also as a significant achievement for their new coach, Sergio Conceição, who took charge just days before the match. ABM (After the Ball Movement) adapted to his leadership style quickly, showing tenacity and teamwork during the entire tournament. Conceição's coaching philosophy was put to the test as AC Milan marched through the Supercup, coming back from behind against top competitors like Juventus and now Inter Milan.
The ceremonious win reflects AC Milan's resilience, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, now serving as the club’s senior advisor, provided stirring words of motivation for the team. “We’ve achieved one of our goals. This was the reaction we needed,” Ibrahimovic told players in the dressing room. He praised their effort, saying, “You sweated for this victory, made sacrifices, and showed hunger. When a team wants to win, it’s hard to stop them.” Ibrahimovic reminded his teammates of the club’s storied expectations, saying, “This is Milan. We play for trophies. If you want to make history here, you have to win titles. Forza Milan.”
The event was more than just about soccer; it was also about unifying fans from different backgrounds. The Saudi initiative provided unique experiences for mute and deaf supporters through specially-designed jerseys equipped with sensors translating stadium noise to vibrations. This approach highlighted the local Ministry of Sport’s commitment to inclusivity and engagement, setting the stage for future events like the Spanish Supercup set to take place soon.
The Supercoppa Italiana also facilitated meet-and-greet activities where young fans could engage with football legends, including Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero noted the importance of this interaction, stating, “It is important for young players...to improve their techniques by watching established players at the top of their game.”
Looking forward, Luigi De Siervo, CEO of Serie A, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with Saudi Arabia, recognizing the significant and growing enthusiasm for football among Saudi youth. “The Italian Supercup has strengthened the bond between Italy and Saudi Arabia,” De Siervo said. “Our relationship with Saudi Arabia is key to help Serie A keep growing.”
For AC Milan, this latest triumph lays down the gauntlet as they return to Serie A with renewed ambition. Ibrahimovic’s call to action is clear: carry the winning mentality back to Italy. This victory not only adds to their trophy cabinet but also sets the tone for their pursuit of greater achievements and the ever-competitive Serie A. The Rossoneri are hungry for more, and with their revival now underway, the future looks promising.