AC Milan pulled off a sensational comeback, defeating city rivals Inter Milan 3-2 to lift the Italian Supercoppa, marking their first trophy since 2016. Played at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on January 6, 2025, the match saw Milan recover from being two goals down, showcasing their tenacity and resilience.
Inter Milan opened the scoring with goals from Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi, putting them 2-0 up just after the half-time break. The situation seemed grim for AC Milan, indicating Inter could secure their fourth consecutive Supercoppa title. Instead, the Rossoneri demonstrated remarkable fortitude, rallying back after the break under the guidance of their new manager, Sergio Conceicao, who had just taken charge.
The turning point came early in the second half when Theo Hernandez converted a free-kick, reigniting hope for Milan. Christian Pulisic soon equaled the score with ten minutes remaining, managing to find the net from close range after several attempts had been thwarted by Inter's defense. Finally, the hero of the night, Tammy Abraham, clinched victory with a late tap-in during extra time—an emotional finish after Milan had battled back valiantly against the odds.
Abraham spoke passionately after the match, stating, "I’m very happy for the team and the fans, this is for you," reflecting the joy shared among teammates and supporters. He credited their success to the team's "confidence, courage, and hunger," emphasizing the strong bond and motivation within the squad. His goal secured Milan their eighth Supercoppa victory, putting them on par with Inter Milan's tally of titles.
Hernandez also shared his thoughts post-match, insisting, "It was wonderful. We need to shoulder some of the blame for Fonseca going, it was not just his fault," acknowledging the previous coach's dismissal and his role in the team’s struggles. This shifting dynamic under Conceicao appears to have been beneficial, as the team’s spirit was revitalized, leading to their comeback win.
Players celebrated exuberantly, marking this victory not just as another trophy but as a significant moment of resurgence for the club. The atmosphere at King Saud University Stadium heightened the excitement, with fans cheering and lights illuminating the venue during the pre-match celebrations. Shortly after the match, the trophy was lifted, symbolizing not only triumph but also hope for the season to come.
This match also serves as a timely reminder of the competitive nature of the Supercoppa and the enduring rivalry between Milan's clubs. Inter Milan had been dominant lately, claiming the title for the past three years. Their loss this season, especially after being so close to securing another trophy, will sting deeply.
Milan's victory isn’t solely about the silverware; it signals the potential for growth and success under new management. With young talents like Abraham and Pulisic stepping up, the future looks promising for AC Milan. This Supercoppa win establishes momentum and could be the first of many successes for the re-energized Rossoneri this season.
Looking forward, both teams aim to continue their journeys through the Serie A season, where each game will be analyzed closely as fans and pundits speculate on who truly holds the upper hand. For now, though, the celebration belongs to AC Milan—a reminder of their legacy as one of Italy's football greats, adding another chapter to their storied history.