AC Milan has advanced to the final of the Supercoppa Italiana after mounting a thrilling comeback against Juventus, winning 2-1 at the King Fahd Stadium in Riyadh. This victory sets the stage for a highly anticipated clash with rivals Inter Milan, who won their semifinal against Atalanta earlier this week.
The match showcased both teams’ determination, but it was Milan’s resilience and tactical adjustments from new coach Sérgio Conceição, who was making his debut, which turned the tide. Juventus struck first, with Kenan Yıldız scoring the opener just 21 minutes in, finishing smoothly after being set up by Samuel Mbangula. The young Turkish star caught the Milan defense off-guard, converting with precision under the bar.
Despite struggling for much of the first half and losing key duels, Milan remained competitive. They managed to create chances, but none could find the back of the net. Leonardo Maignan, Milan’s goalkeeper, had to be alert, especially when Yıldız threatened to double Juventus's lead just before halftime.
The second half saw Milan come up with new energy. After several failed attempts to level, including a miss by Theo Hernández right from the edge of the six-yard box, the breakthrough finally came at the 71st minute. Christian Pulisic earned and converted a penalty after being fouled by Locatelli inside the box. "I knew I had to take control; the team needed this goal," said Pulisic after the game.
Just minutes later, the score flipped dramatically. A cross from Yunus Musah ricocheted off Federico Gatti and found its way past the Juventus goalkeeper Andrea Di Gregorio, who was caught off his line. The home crowd exploded with the sudden swing of events. While Juventus attempted to fight back, Milan maintained their composure to secure their place in the final.
This match marked the first defeat for Juventus's coach Thiago Motta against Milan due to former stars now leading their teams on the sidelines. Motta, who took over during this tumultuous season for the Bianconeri, expressed his frustrations, noting, "We had control, but we couldn’t finish our chances, and it cost us dearly." Meanwhile, Conceição's confidence surged following his successful debut, stating, "The team showed great heart. We need to build on this momentum for the final against Inter."
The final, scheduled for January 6 at 20:00, promises to be highly competitive, pitting two of Italy's most storied clubs against each other. This event will be particularly unique, as it occurs under the newly established format of the Supercoppa Italiana, which has shifted to involve four teams competing directly without return legs and immediately going to penalties if needed.
For fans and players alike, the tension builds. Milan has not faced Inter since they last met for the Supercoppa, and many are eager to see how the teams have evolved since. Both squads have had their share of highs and lows this season, but victory here could set the tone for the rest of the year.
Kenan Yıldız’s goal not only put Juventus on the scoreboard but also made him the second youngest player to score in the Supercoppa Italiana's history, following Mario Balotelli. Meanwhile, Pulisic's penalty marked the first for Milan in this competition since Andrea Pirlo scored against Juventus back in 2003.
Milan's victory also signifies their first win against Juventus on neutral ground after several tries, and they'll aim to extend this newfound success when the city rivals meet again. This matchup could very well define the season for both clubs as they head down the path toward Serie A and European competitions.
With the stage set and both teams on high alert, the anticipation of battle looms. Will Milan capitalize on this victory and secure another trophy, or will Inter dampen the spirits of their rivals? The countdown to the final begins now.