In a dramatic showdown in Riyadh, AC Milan staged an unforgettable comeback from a two-goal deficit to clinch the Supercoppa Italiana against arch-rivals Inter Milan. The match ended 3-2, with Tammy Abraham’s stoppage-time goal etching the night into Milan folklore, under the stewardship of new manager Sérgio Conceição.
Inter, fresh from a semi-final triumph over Atalanta, were favored by many to lift the trophy, having shown form and flair. However, Milan, under the fresh command of Sérgio Conceição, had other plans, especially after defeating Juventus in their semi-final encounter.
From the outset, Inter Milan looked like a team with a mission. Their attacks were swift and precise, with Mehdi Taremi nearly opening the scoreline, only for his header to miss the mark. The intensity was palpable, but chances were scarce until the stroke of halftime when Lautaro Martínez, Inter’s captain and talisman, found the net with a cool finish after a slick move involving Dimarco and Mkhitaryan.
Returning from the break, Inter doubled their lead almost immediately through Taremi, thanks to a sublime through ball by Stefan de Vrij. The scoreline read 2-0, and Inter fans in the stands were already celebrating what seemed like an inevitable victory.
But football, as it often does, had a twist in store. Milan, spurred by a desire to not just compete but to conquer, began their fightback. Rafael Leão, ever the spark plug, was fouled on the edge of the box, setting up Théo Hernández for a beautifully curled free-kick that reignited Milan’s hopes.
The game transformed into an end-to-end spectacle. Christian Pulisic, who had been pivotal in Milan’s previous match, scored the equalizer, showcasing why he’s becoming a fan favorite.
As the clock ticked down, Inter had chances to seal the game, with Denzel Dumfries coming agonizingly close twice. However, football’s capricious nature favored Milan one last time. In the dying seconds, Leão’s pass found Abraham, who tapped into an unguarded net, sending the Milan contingent into raptures.
For Inter, this loss might serve as a wake-up call. Their control in the first half was overshadowed by a lack of composure in defense when it mattered most.
The match wasn’t just about tactics or goals; it was a narrative of human spirit. Fans from both sides shared stories of camaraderie and rivalry, painting a picture of football’s unique community spirit.
With this victory, Milan not only secures bragging rights over their city rivals but also sets a tone for their 2025 campaign.
