Davide Calabria and Mike Maignan lifted the Supercoppa Italiana trophy together after the team’s spectacular 3-2 comeback victory over rivals Inter in Riyadh on Monday night. This exhilarating match showcased not only the resilience of the AC Milan squad but also the tactical prowess of their new manager, Sergio Conceicao.
It is the first time that Milan have been crowned Supercoppa Italiana champions in nine years, dating back to the 2015-16 season, making this victory a significant milestone for the club and its supporters. The Rossoneri found themselves in a challenging position early in the match, falling behind 2-0 just two minutes into the second half after goals from Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi, which threatened to dampen their spirits. However, instead of succumbing to the pressure, Milan’s players rallied together, igniting a spirited response that led to a stunning comeback.
Sergio Conceicao, in just his second game in charge of the club, inspired this second-half resurgence with strategic substitutions and tactical adjustments that made all the difference. Substitute Rafael Leao, who returned from injury, played a pivotal role in the comeback, scoring a crucial goal that boosted the team’s morale. Following him, Christian Pulisic added to the scoreline with a well-placed shot, and Tammy Abraham sealed the victory with a decisive goal that sent the Milan fans into raptures.
Calabria, the club captain, and Maignan, who led the team out on the night, shared the honours when it came to lifting the trophy at full-time, showcasing the unity and determination of the squad. The celebrations were electric, marking a triumphant chapter in Milan’s storied history.
This edition of the Derby della Madonnina was particularly special, taking place at the Al-Awwal Park Stadium in Riyadh. Prior to the final, the Nerazzurri had reached the final by defeating Atalanta 2-0 in their semi-final, while the Rossoneri earned their place in the final with a hard-fought 2-1 win against Juventus on Conceicao’s debut as manager.
The match was not without its challenges, as key players for both teams were dealing with fitness issues. Marcus Thuram and Joaquin Correa were not fully fit, leading to Mehdi Taremi stepping into the starting XI. For Milan, Rafael Leao was initially ruled only fit enough for the bench, and with Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, and Alessandro Florenzi hampered by injuries, the team’s depth was tested. However, Yunus Musah’s inclusion in the lineup in place of Ismael Bennacer proved influential.
In his first two matches as manager, Sergio Conceicao has defeated both Juventus and Inter Milan with remarkable come-from-behind victories to secure the Supercoppa Italiana. These early results against direct rivals signal a promising start for the Portuguese manager, and the era of Conceicao is well underway, with these outstanding performances bolstering the confidence of the players and fans alike. The triumph not only brings silverware back to the club but also reignites hopes for continued success in both domestic and European competitions.
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