Inter and AC Milan are primed for one of the most electrifying showdowns in football as they prepare to clash in the 2025 Supercoppa Italiana final. Set to be played on Monday, January 6, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this match marks the latest installment of the storied Derby della Madonnina.
Inter Milan enters the final as the clear favorites, riding high after dominating their Supercoppa semifinal against Atalanta, winning 2-0 with Denzel Dumfries scoring both goals. Meanwhile, AC Milan reached the final with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Juventus, marking the new managerial regime of Sergio Conceicao's first trophy opportunity since taking the reins following Paulo Fonseca's departure.
This matchup not only showcases the fierce rivalry between the two Milanese giants but also the contrasting mid-season narratives of both clubs. While Inter sits third in Serie A and has shown formidable form lately, AC Milan finds itself struggling, currently occupying eighth place and fighting to stay relevant for European competition next season.
Kickoff for the match is set for 2 PM ET, with fans eager to see how this rivalry plays out for the first time this calendar year. It will be accessible for live viewing through multiple platforms, including CBS Sports Network and streaming services like Paramount+ and fuboTV.
Interest has spiked around this game, not just for the rivalry but also for the stakes at hand. Inter's manager, Simone Inzaghi, has the opportunity to extend his record as the coach with the most Supercoppa titles, aiming for his sixth. Their squad depth and tactical acumen suggest they will aim to dominate possession and dictate the pace of the match.
For AC Milan, the match is pivotal not only for reputation but also to regain some momentum after suffering inconsistency this season. Fans will look to key players such as Christian Pulisic, who makes his return from injury, to make decisive contributions. Conceicao's starting XI includes Pulisic alongside Alvaro Morata, and they will need to rely on their attacking creativity against Inter's solid defense.
Team news adds another layer of intrigue; Inter could potentially be without their leading scorer Marcus Thuram, who is doubtful due to injury. If Thuram cannot go, Mehdi Taremi is expected to fill the void, bringing his own attacking flair to the forward line. Defensively, Inter faces challenges as well, missing key players, and will rely on veteran defenders like Stefan de Vrij to marshal the backline.
AC Milan's lineup features the likes of Mike Maignan ensuring solidity between the sticks, with a defensive lineup including Emerson Royal and Fikayo Tomori. Yunus Musah is brought in as part of the midfield strategy, expected to control play along with Youssouf Fofana and Tijjani Reijnders. Given AC Milan's sporadic form, how they integrate these players will be pivotal.
Historically, Inter holds the edge over AC Milan, having secured 91 victories out of 240 competitive meetings, compared to AC Milan's 80 wins. Still, their recent 2-1 defeat to AC Milan back in September showcased the unpredictable nature of derbies.
The stakes couldn't be higher as both teams aspire to notch their first title of the season. For Inter, it's about continuing their dominance; for AC Milan, it’s about proving their mettle and returning to the upper echelon of Italian football.
With all these factors converging—historical momentum, current form, and the passion inherent to the derby—this Supercoppa Italiana final promises high drama and excitement for fans around the world.