AC Milan staged a remarkable comeback to clinch the Italian Super Cup, defeating their city rivals Inter Milan 3-2 in a thrilling match held in Riyadh on Monday. After falling behind by two goals early in the game, AC Milan displayed resilience, with Tammy Abraham scoring a crucial goal in added time to seal the victory.
The American star, Christian Pulisic, played a pivotal role in the comeback, first reducing the deficit and then providing the decisive pass that set up Abraham’s winning goal. This victory marked a significant achievement for Milan, preventing Inter from claiming an unprecedented fourth consecutive Super Cup title and allowing Milan to match Inter’s record with eight wins in the competition.
New manager Serge Conceicao, who took charge just a week prior, successfully lifted the Super Cup trophy in only his second match in control. “The team has character; it managed to win games against two great teams in the end,” Conceicao commented. His strategic adjustments at halftime proved to be key in turning the match around.
The match itself was preceded by an impressive light show at King Saud University Stadium. After a relatively quiet start, the action heated up just before halftime when Lautaro Martínez scored for Inter, followed by a quick second goal from Mehdi Taremi soon after the restart.
Milan, however, did not back down. They quickly made crucial substitutions that turned the tide of the game. Rafael Leão earned a free kick which led to a goal from Theo Hernández, and, with ten minutes left, Pulisic deftly equalized, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
As the game approached its end, Milan continued to press forward, ultimately leading to Abraham’s heroic goal, much to the dismay of the Inter players who were left in disbelief.
Reflecting on the win, Abraham stated, “We played with confidence, courage, and hunger.” This spirit showcased by AC Milan highlights their potential for future successes under Conceicao’s leadership.
Overall, AC Milan’s comeback victory in the Italian Super Cup serves as a testament to their fighting spirit and determination. With this win, the team not only secures a prestigious title but also builds a solid foundation for the rest of the season.