AC Milan secured their spot as Super Champions of Italy on January 6, 2025, following a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Inter Milan. The final match, held at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, saw Milan overturning a two-goal deficit thanks to key performances, particularly from new manager Sergio Conceicao and standout players like Rafael Leao.
The match opened dramatically when Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez scored just before halftime, putting his team up 1-0. Minutes after the break, Mehdi Taremi doubled Inter's lead, giving them what looked to be a comfortable position with 2-0 on the board. But Milan wasn't about to back down easily.
The turning point came when Theo Hernandez netted a stunning direct free kick to narrow the gap to 2-1. This goal ignited Milan's momentum, with the team playing with newfound vigor. Just 10 minutes later, Christian Pulisic leveled the match at 2-2 after receiving a precise assist from Leao, who had come off the bench and influenced the game significantly.
With the clock ticking down, it appeared the match might head to extra time, but Milan had other plans. Late drama unfolded when Leao delivered another fine cross, this time finding Tammy Abraham, who slotted home the winning goal deep in stoppage time, sealing the dramatic comeback.
This victory marked AC Milan's eighth Italian Super Cup title, their first since 2017. Conceicao's win is particularly notable as it came just one week after he took the managerial helm, motivating the players to perform beyond expectations.
After the match, Abraham reflected on their performance, stating, "We played with confidence, courage, and hunger. We know how to react under tough situations." Hernandez echoed this sentiment, commenting on the impact of Conceicao's arrival: "We didn't have much time with him, but things went well during this short period." Their commitment to the team's newly instilled mentality was evident throughout the match.
AC Milan had only one week before this match to prepare under their new boss, who replaced Paulo Fonseca after the coach's dismissal. They showcased their potential and united spirit, bouncing back from adversity to claim the trophy.
Looking forward, Milan aims to leverage this triumph to improve their standings in Serie A, where they currently sit mid-table at eighth place, and regain their past glory as dominant force in Italian football. The loss, on the other hand, stings for Inter Milan, who were aiming for their fourth consecutive Super Cup title.
This thrilling encounter is sure to set the stage for what promises to be a captivating year for Milan, who seem rejuvenated under Conceicao's leadership. Following their victory, fans and football pundits alike will be watching closely to see if the team can maintain this form and build momentum as they compete across various competitions.