AC Milan secured their spot in the final of the Supercoppa Italiana with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Juventus on January 3, 2025, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This match marked a significant turning point for Milan under new head coach Sergio Conceicao, who was determined to get his team back on track after facing struggles early in the season.
The game started with Juventus taking the lead, thanks to a stunning strike from 19-year-old Kenan Yildiz, who was thrust onto the pitch when Francisco Conceicao—a player set to face his father as the new Milan coach—sustained a last-minute injury during warm-up. Yildiz’s goal came just 21 minutes in and put Milan on the back foot, making it look like Juventus was comfortably on course to book their place at the final.
Juventus had hoped to continue their unbeaten run this season; prior to this match, they had not tasted domestic defeat since April. But after Yildiz's goal, they looked increasingly susceptible. Milan made tactical changes after halftime, injecting fresh energy and ideas as they searched for equalization.
The turning point came in the 71st minute when Milan earned a penalty after Manuel Locatelli fouled Christian Pulisic inside the box. Pulisic stepped up and coolly converted, bringing the scores level. This marked the beginning of the end for Juventus, who had been dominant for much of the match.
Just four minutes later, the game was flipped on its head when wait for it was Federico Gatti, Juventus' defender, who unwittingly directed Yunus Musah’s right-wing cross past his own goalkeeper. The deflection stunned the Bianconeri, leaving them trailing 2-1 and unable to muster much of a response.
While the match statistics indicated Milan's improved performance, the psychological aspects played heavily on the minds of both teams. Juventus had started strong, but they faltered when it mattered most. Milan, on the other hand, thrived on the chance to battle back against their rivals. The match concluded not just with Milan’s victory but also with the acknowledgment of their skills and determination as they prepare to face Inter Milan next.
Post-match reactions reflected the significance of the win. Sergio Conceicao expressed pride about the comeback: "It was unbelievable how we turned it around," showcasing his belief in the squad's resilience. Further underlining the victory’s importance, Pulisic said, "This victory sets the tone for what’s to come," indicating positive momentum for Milan moving forward.
Player ratings noted the roles key individuals played. For Milan, Thiaw was highlighted for his commanding defensive display, whereas Pulisic’s penalty earned him praise, albeit after what had been described as a disappointing performance until then. On the Juventus side, young Yildiz’s promising start was deservedly recognized, but the repercussions of Gatti's unfortunate own goal weighed heavily on the assessment of his performance.
This match held significant ramifications for both clubs. AC Milan's victory secured them a place in the Supercoppa Italiana final against Inter, which will test their mettle and readiness to face their city rivals. Meanwhile, Juventus must contend with the unexpected nature of their defeat, causing them to reassess their strategies moving forward.
For Juventus, the loss might serve as both a wake-up call and motivation to improve. Their General Football Director Cristiano Giuntoli, speaking prior to the match, emphasized their enduring passion for the sport and the importance of each trophy, saying, "Juventus is still loved and followed; we take pride in it and it gives us strength to carry on." Such sentiments will likely be tested as they regroup and prepare for their next challenges.
The night belonged to Milan as they celebrated not just the scoreline but the successful first outing under their new leadership. Conceicao’s team will certainly need to build on this performance if they are to emerge victorious against Inter Milan. This Supercoppa Italiana semi-final delivered drama and excitement, reminding us of why Italian football continues to captivate audiences around the world.