AC Milan kicked off the Sergio Conceicao era with a resounding 2-1 victory against Juventus, securing their place in the Supercoppa Italiana final scheduled against Inter Milan. The match, held on January 3, 2025, showcased both the adaptability of the new head coach and the resilience of the Rossoneri players.
The game began on shaky ground for Milan when Juventus took the lead thanks to Kenan Yildiz's goal at the 21st minute. Yildiz, who only joined the starting line-up due to injury to his fellow player, capitalized on Milan's defensive lapses. Amidst initial worries, it appeared to be another challenging night for Milan, mirroring their earlier encounter with Juventus where they struggled to breach the Bianconeri’s defenses.
Things took a turn for the Rossoneri early in the second half. A foul on Christian Pulisic by Juventus’ Manuel Locatelli resulted in a penalty which Pulisic confidently converted, leveling the score at 1-1. Just four minutes later, destiny smiled upon Milan as a low cross intended by substitute Yunus Musah saw its way to the back of the net after taking a hefty deflection off Federico Gatti. The fortunate goal nudged Milan to a 2-1 lead, allowing them to control the match until the final whistle.
"Winning is what matters," Conceicao remarked after the match, emphasizing the importance of securing victories regardless of the circumstances. The win not only marks his debut on the pitch but also imbues the team with confidence as they prepare for the looming clash against Inter Milan.
This final, set for January 8, will see Milan go head-to-head with their fierce city rivals, Inter, who earned their place against Atalanta earlier this week. Inter's defender Yann Bisseck voiced the significance of the encounter, stating, "It doesn’t matter who we face because we’re prepared to win. Both matches, the Milan Derby and the Derby d’Italia, hold their own weight. But for us, the priority is winning the title."
Bisseck’s confidence echoes through the Inter camp, especially after securing the title against Milan and Juventus last season. He added, "We just want to win. It makes no difference to us who’s in the final. We have to win."
Former Milan striker Carlos Bacca reflected on his own thrilling memories of the Supercoppa Italiana, reminiscing about the Rossoneri's last trophy win against Juventus, recalling the “remarkable spirit” showcased by the team on December 23, 2016. He expressed admiration for Milan's current squad, particularly noting the growth of Manuel Locatelli, who now plays for Juventus. "Manuel was young back then, but it was clear he was destined for greatness," Bacca said.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the new tactical approaches under Conceicao will respond to the pressure of competing against Inter. Can Milan reclaim their title? Only time will tell, but players and fans alike feel optimistic after Conceicao's initial success.
The Supercoppa Italiana final will be not just another game—it’s positioned as the definitive clash to reinvigorate Milan’s ambitions. Will the renewed spirits of the Rossoneri under Conceicao be enough to topple Inter? Milan will hope to seize the initiative and transform it all under the new management.
For now, Milan savors their moment of triumph against old rivals Juventus, where strategic changes and on-pitch determination reaped immediate rewards. Conceicao’s debut as head coach could pave the way for transformational success even as the eyes of the world turn to the upcoming Supercoppa final.