AC Milan secured a thrilling victory against their city rivals Inter Milan, overturning a two-goal deficit to win the Supercoppa Italiana final 3-2 on January 6, 2025, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This match was anticipated as one of the most captivating encounters between the clubs, and it did not disappoint.
Initially, it seemed like Inter Milan would walk away with the trophy, as they raced to a 2-0 lead with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi. Martinez, who had been under scrutiny for his recent performances, struck first with a skillful solo effort just before halftime, putting Inter firmly on the path to winning what would have been their fourth consecutive Supercoppa title. Taremi ramped up the pressure early in the second half, doubling the lead and appearing to seal the victory for the Nerazzurri.
Despite Inter's dominant start, AC Milan wasn't ready to concede. The tide began to turn when Theo Hernandez's thunderous free kick found the back of the net, reducing the deficit to one goal. Milan's energy surged, and they began exploiting the spaces left open by Inter, leading to moments of panic within their defense.
Christian Pulisic leveled the match with a brilliant finish shortly after Hernandez's goal, showcasing the Rossoneri's relentless spirit. With the match hanging by a thread, substitute Tammy Abraham scored the match-winner late on, delivering heartbreak for Inter Milan and securing the title for AC Milan.
Post-match, Federico Dimarco, the wingback for Inter Milan, reflected on the defeat, emphasizing their failure to maintain control once they were 2-0 up. He noted, "A team like ours can’t allow a comeback from 2-0 like this. It hurts. But we have to congratulate Milan. They had a great match, as we did as well." Dimarco acknowledged the difficulty of the loss, especially in such a high-stakes game and vowed to learn from their mistakes.
Throughout the match, Inter seemed to be caught off guard as their defense struggled to deal with Milan's quick transitions. Dimarco admitted, "This is the second time they’ve scored the winner right at the end," referencing both this match and Milan's previous late victor against them earlier this season.
The match was held at Al-Awwal Park, drawing fans from all over, eager to witness the historic rivalry's latest chapter. Despite experiencing defeat, Dimarco appreciated the atmosphere and excitement surrounding the match, saying, "It was a great atmosphere, and we had a great time. But we lost. And I can’t say I’m happy about it."
Milan's coach, Paulo Conceição, praised his team’s resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. The victory not only signifies Milan's return to form but also adds another layer to their competitive history with Inter, who now face calls for improvement as they prepare for upcoming league matches.
Milan's comeback is expected to be remembered as a pivotal moment, potentially reshaping rival dynamics leading forward. They now look to build on this momentum, focusing on their next challenges, fueled by the thrill of victory against their fiercest rivals.
Inter Milan’s next opportunity to seek redemption arrives soon, as they prepare to face league fixtures with new determination. Every defeat is a chance to learn and grow; this loss will surely spur them to reclaim their dominant form.