AC Milan staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Inter Milan 3-2, winning the Supercoppa Italiana on January 6, 2025. Under the leadership of newly appointed head coach Sergio Conceicao, the Rossoneri displayed tenacity and character as they overcame a challenging start to the match.
The final, held at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Milan finding themselves two goals down at the break, with Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi putting Inter on the scoreboard. Just when it seemed like it would be another disappointing outing for Milan, Conceicao’s squad rallied together, showcasing their resilience and fighting spirit. Theo Hernandez began the comeback with a free-kick goal shortly after halftime, followed by Christian Pulisic firing home to level the contest.
It was late drama, though, when Tammy Abraham struck the winning goal deep within stoppage time, sealing the victory for Milan and marking Conceicao's first trophy since taking over the helm just weeks earlier. Conceicao could not contain his joy after witnessing his side’s determination to claw back from deficit against two formidable opponents, Juventus and Inter, within just days of each other.
"I am very happy for the players because it was not easy... they absorbed everything we discussed," Conceicao reflected post-match during his interview with Sport Mediaset. His praise for the players was evident as he acknowledged the challenges the team faced leading up to the final. "The atmosphere wasn’t the best when I arrived," he stated, emphasizing how quickly the team adapted to his methods and strategies.
Despite being behind initially, the team's comeback was driven by key adjustments made by Conceicao at halftime. He stated, "The team has character, it managed to win games against two great teams... that's why they pay me." His emphasis on tactical changes highlighted the importance of adaptability within high-stakes matches.
One of the standout players was Rafael Leao, who, though not fully fit, impacted the game significantly when he was introduced as a substitute. Conceicao was effusive about the Portuguese winger's potential, claiming, "Leao is phenomenal... he can become the best player in the world next season if he learns those things." Conceicao’s belief in Leao’s capacity to improve speaks volumes about the coach’s vision for the squad going forward.
The celebrations post-match showcased not only the bond among the players but also Conceicao's unique personality. He was spotted dancing and smoking a cigar, continuing on the tradition he started during his coaching career at FC Porto. "At the end of the game the players immediately told me I had to smoke a cigar; they knew I do this ritual when I lift a title," he shared, highlighting how this victory was special for him, marking his 13th title as a coach.
Reflecting on his short yet impactful time at Milan, Conceicao recognized there is still significant work to be done. "There is still a lot of work, but with humility we can do well in the Champions League and in the league," he noted, stressing the need for improvement even after such elation.
Moving forward, Conceicao's focus will shift toward their next Serie A match against Cagliari. After the thrilling triumph, he is optimistic about Milan’s future prospects and the abilities of his charges. With both the Supercoppa and early Serie A fixtures underway, fans are eager to see how the team evolves under Conceicao’s guidance, especially if players like Leao reach their potential.
For AC Milan, this Supercoppa Italiana victory not only serves as early silverware for the season but also as a significant boost of confidence as they strive to regain their historical prominence within Italian football and beyond.