AC Milan achieved one of the most memorable victories in the recent history of Italian soccer with a 3-2 victory over Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup final. This thrilling duel, played in Saudi Arabia, not only represented the Rossoneri's eighth Super Cup title, but also marked a spectacular start for their new coach, Sergio Conceicao, who took over just a week ago.
A start dominated by Inter
The match started with both teams showing intensity and a well-organized strategy. The first few minutes offered few clear-cut chances, as both Milan and Inter maintained effective pressure. However, the scales tipped in Inter's favor at the close of the first half.
Lautaro Martinez broke the deadlock in the 45th minute with a precise move. After a pass from Mehdi Taremi inside the box, the Argentine controlled the ball with elegance and finished with a powerful left-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Mike Maignan. This goal put Inter ahead just before the break.
The start of the second half brought more bad news for Milan. Just minutes after play resumed, Taremi extended Inter's lead with his first set-piece goal of the season. The Iranian striker took advantage of a long pass from Stefan de Vrij, calmly controlled the ball and beat Maignan one-on-one, leaving Milan on the ropes at 2-0.
Milan's Revival: Leao And Pulisic To The Rescue
When the game seemed to be leaning completely towards Inter, Sergio Conceicao made a key decision. In the 51st minute, he brought on Rafael Leao, who quickly made the difference.
In his first intervention, Leao forced a foul near the opponent's area, which resulted in a free kick masterfully taken by Theo Hernández. Theo's shot, in the 53rd minute, beat the wall and left goalkeeper Yann Sommer with no options, bringing Milan back into the match.
From that moment on, Milan gained momentum and began to generate constant danger. Meanwhile, Inter missed several clear opportunities to put the game to bed.
The Rossoneri took advantage of every mistake made by their opponents, and in the 81st minute, the equalizer arrived. Theo Hernández broke down the left flank and assisted Christian Pulisic, who masterfully controlled the ball inside the box and sent it into the back of the net with a precise shot.
With the score at 2-2, everything pointed to the match going to penalties, as the rules of the Super Cup do not allow for extra time. However, Milan were not willing to settle for a draw. In stoppage time, Leao produced another brilliant move, setting up Pulisic with a vertical pass. The American crossed neatly for Tammy Abraham, who fired into an empty net to complete the epic comeback.
Will #ACMilan take the crown from #InterMilan in the Italian Supercoppa final? 🏆🇮🇹💥
KEEP IN MIND! The Nerazzurri scored in the two Derby della Madonnina that defined the champions in the 2011 and 2022 editions.
Play now! ➡ https://t.co/HCS0drbkft pic.twitter.com/PY93WlKjpd
- Betcris (@Betcris) January 6, 2025
A Title That Marks A New Beginning
This triumph means much more than a trophy for AC Milan. After months of ups and downs and an inconsistent season in Serie A, the team has found a new direction in Sergio Conceicao. Under his leadership, the Rossoneri have shown confidence, hunger for victory and renewed character, as they demonstrated in this final and in the previous comeback against Juventus in the semifinals.
Leao and Theo, who had problems with previous coach Paulo Fonseca, shone in this match, showing that the change of management has benefited them. In addition, Christian Pulisic established himself as a key player in Conceicao's scheme, playing a direct part in two of Milan's three goals.
On the other hand, Inter will have to reflect on their performance. Although they started strong, they dropped off the pace after reaching 2-0, which allowed Milan to get back into the game. Lautaro Martinez, who opened the scoring, acknowledged that his team could not maintain the intensity needed to secure the victory, something that cost them dearly in such an important final.
With this title, Milan adds its eighth Super Cup and takes a new impetus to face the rest of the season. Currently in eighth place in Serie A, the Rossoneri will look to carry this positive energy into the league, starting with their next match against Cagliari.
The 2024 Italian Super Cup final will be remembered not only for Milan's exploits, but also for the character and resilience shown in times of adversity. Under the leadership of Sergio Conceicao, the club seems to be on the road to regaining its greatness.