In a pulsating clash in Riyadh, AC Milan secured the Italian Super Cup with a thrilling 3-2 victory over city rivals Inter Milan on Monday, 6 January. Tammy Abraham’s last-minute goal completed a stunning comeback for the Rossoneri after trailing by two goals.
The match took place at the packed King Saud University Stadium, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The win also marked new manager Sergio Conceicao’s first trophy in just his second game in charge, sparking optimism for a revitalized season.
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Early Inter Dominance Sets the Stage
The match began with Inter asserting control, and their clinical precision put Milan on the back foot early. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring just before halftime, expertly finishing a Mehdi Taremi assist. Martinez’s nimble footwork outmaneuvered Malick Thiaw, and his low drive left Mike Maignan stranded at the near post.
Inter doubled their lead shortly after the interval when Taremi latched onto a long ball from Stefan de Vrij. With a composed first touch, he drilled a powerful shot into the bottom corner, giving Inter a seemingly unassailable 2-0 advantage.
Theo Hernandez Sparks Milan’s Fightback
Milan’s resurgence began when substitute Rafael Leao injected energy into the attack. Winning a free kick on the edge of the area, he set up Theo Hernandez, whose low, curling strike sneaked past Yann Sommer, reigniting the Rossoneri’s hopes.
The momentum swung in Milan’s favor as they relentlessly pushed for an equalizer. Tijjani Reijnders’ effort was bravely blocked by Alessandro Bastoni, and Alvaro Morata’s header was brilliantly saved by Sommer. Inter nearly extended their lead, but Carlos Augusto’s close-range header struck the upright, leaving the door open for Milan.
Pulisic’s Magic Turns the Tide
With ten minutes remaining, Christian Pulisic delivered a moment of brilliance. Surrounded by three defenders, the USMNT star controlled a cross from Hernandez, turned sharply, and fired a precise shot into the far corner to level the score.
Pulisic’s influence didn’t end there. Deep into added time, his vision and creativity carved open Inter’s defense. His perfectly weighted pass found Leao, whose cross was met by Tammy Abraham for a simple tap-in, sealing the victory and breaking Inter hearts.
A Trophy to Reignite Milan’s Campaign
The win denied Inter a fourth consecutive Super Cup and brought Milan level with their rivals at eight titles apiece in the competition’s history. Sergio Conceicao, replacing the sacked Paulo Fonseca, celebrated wildly with his players, while Inter’s squad was left stunned on the turf.
Pulisic’s transformative performance showcased his growing stature within the team. His goal and assist in the final highlighted a player in peak form, contributing nine goals and six assists across all competitions this season. The American has quickly become a talismanic figure for the Rossoneri, driving their resurgence.
What’s Next For Both Teams?
For Milan, the Super Cup triumph could be a turning point in a season that has seen inconsistency in Serie A. Despite trailing league leaders Napoli by 17 points, the Rossoneri remain contenders for Champions League qualification. With Conceicao at the helm and players like Pulisic and Leao stepping up, Milan’s campaign now carries renewed optimism.
Inter, meanwhile, will rue missed opportunities and defensive lapses that cost them dearly. Despite their strong start, the loss exposed vulnerabilities that manager Simone Inzaghi will need to address as they aim to keep pace in the domestic league.
FAQs
Who scored the winning goal for AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup 2024?
Tammy Abraham scored the decisive goal in added time to secure a 3-2 victory over Inter Milan.
How many Italian Super Cup titles has AC Milan won after this victory?
AC Milan’s triumph brought their tally to eight Italian Super Cup titles, equaling Inter Milan’s record.
What was the turning point in the Italian Super Cup final?
Christian Pulisic’s 80th-minute equalizer and his assist for Tammy Abraham’s winner were pivotal in AC Milan’s dramatic comeback.
What was Sergio Conceicao’s achievement in this match?
Sergio Conceicao lifted the Italian Super Cup in only his second game as AC Milan’s manager, following his appointment last week.
Where was the Italian Super Cup final played, and what made it special?
The final was held at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, featuring a spectacular light show and a thrilling conclusion to the match.
