AC Milan faces off against city rivals Inter Milan tonight at the Supercoppa Italiana final, set to take place at the KSU Stadium in Riyadh. With both clubs historically rich and successful, the match holds weight for not just bragging rights but also for the impact it could have on their seasons.
This year's final presents heightened emotions as Milan, now under new coach Sergio Conceicao, looks to establish firm footing against the defending champions, Inter, who are currently on strong form. The match kicks off at 19:00 GMT, and fans from around the world are eager to see which Milan club will lift the first trophy of the 2024/25 Italian football season.
Stefano Pioli, former manager of Milan and now coaching Al Nassr, reflected on the impending match with mixed emotions. “Milan are dangerous; they have the bounce from a new coach,” he stated, showcasing both his respect for his former club and the challenges Conceicao faces. His remarks highlight Milan's need for adaptation, especially with key players expected to be absent.
Inter Milan, led by Simone Inzaghi, enters the final with momentum, having clinched 13 victories out of their last 14 domestic fixtures. The team is known for its balanced attacking play, featuring strikers Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi, who are ready to face Milan's defense.
Both teams will have to contend with player absences. Milan's Rafael Leao is still recovering, and Mattia Gabbia is sidelined due to illness, presenting defensive challenges as Fikayo Tomori and Malick Thiaw are likely to start once again. Conceicao's options are limited, leading to possible tactical shifts as he explores formations to field his team effectively against inter.
On the other side, Inter's leading goalscorer, Marcus Thuram, is nursing his own issues, missing training prior to the final due to substitution at halftime from their last match against Atalanta. Though Joaquin Correa had been pushed forward to step up, his absence from training adds to the uncertainty already present. Therefore, Martinez and Taremi may need to bear the primary weight of the goal-scoring duties.
Historically, the Supercoppa encounters have been memorable. Of note, Inter holds the mantle with eight titles won, closely followed by Milan's seven. The legacy of these competitions will add another chapter, intensifying the stakes. Last year, Inter triumphed over Milan, strengthening their foothold as the first club to win three consecutive Supercoppa titles, which Milan is now striving to narrow.
A glance back at the last derby this season also provides insight, wherein Milan seized victory with late drama adding to their confidence going forward. Yet, the rhythm of Inter's game, underscored by their defensive solidity, poses significant challenges, particularly with their current run of five consecutive clean sheets.
Walter Samuel, former Inter defender, has made observations on Milan's capabilities: “They have the bounce from a new coach, and this is still a derby even if it isn’t being played at the San Siro.” He also cautions about Inter's awareness of the occasion, deeming their current form as favorable. Samuel added, “There isn’t the slightest reason for alarm,” addressing concerns from fans around Lautaro Martinez's goalscoring struggles.
The tactical battle will ensue as both Conceicao and his counterpart, Simone, set their formations to match the respective strengths. For Milan, reports suggest they could settle on the 4-2-3-1 formation they utilized effectively against Juventus, setting the stage for concealed prospects as they strive to daze the Inter backline.
Anticipation builds as fans prepare for what is expected to be another dramatic chapter of the storied Milan derby. With both coaches aware of the legacies at stake, the result will not just signify another trophy but pave the way for future ambitions as they navigate the boardroom and tactical reports back home. The world will observe as the Supercoppa Italiana final commences, promising high stakes and electrifying football.