In an impressive debut as AC Milan’s new head coach, Sergio Conceicao secured his first trophy within just a week on the job, guiding the team to a thrilling comeback victory against city rivals Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup. The match ended with a score of 3-2, showcasing Milan’s resilience after initially trailing by two goals.
Milan’s Rafael Leao, along with other key players, played crucial roles in the match. After coming off the bench, Leao was instrumental in generating all three of Milan’s goals scored by Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic, and Tammy Abraham. This victory not only marked Milan’s first trophy since their Serie A title in 2022 but also claimed their eighth Super Cup title overall and their first since 2016.
Conceicao, who took over after Paulo Fonseca was dismissed, emphasized a shift in mindset among the players, instilling confidence and a drive for victory. “He told us we need to have more hunger and that that’s more important than tactics,” noted Pulisic, reflecting on the coach’s refreshing approach.
The game began with Inter Milan taking the lead through goals from Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi. However, Hernandez ignited Milan’s comeback with a precise free kick, followed by Pulisic’s skillful finish during a counterattack. The decisive goal came from Abraham in stoppage time, securing the team’s triumph just before a potential penalty shootout.
Despite Milan’s lower league standings, this victory provides a much-needed boost in morale as they prepare to face Cagliari in their next Serie A match. Conceicao’s early success suggests a promising new chapter for AC Milan as they seek to regain their stature in Italian football.
As a positive note, this rapid turnaround offers a glimpse of the team’s potential under new leadership, revealing that with determination and teamwork, even the most challenging situations can lead to remarkable achievements.