In a thrilling encounter that had fans on the edge of their seats, AC Milan staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Inter Milan 3-2 and lift the Italian Super Cup on January 6, 2025. The match, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, saw Milan recover from a two-goal deficit, with Tammy Abraham netting a last-minute winner in the 93rd minute. This triumph not only secured Milan’s eighth Italian Super Cup title but also highlighted the resilience and tactical prowess of their team, particularly under new coach Sergio Conceicao.
Match Summary: A Tale of Two Halves
First Half: Inter Milan’s Early Dominance
The match started with Inter Milan showing their strength, as they took control early and put pressure on Milan’s defense. Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring in the 45th minute, just before halftime, after a swift counter-attack caught Milan off guard.
As the second half began, Milan struggled to find their rhythm, and Inter Milan doubled their advantage shortly after the break. Mehdi Taremi, known for his clinical finishing, found the back of the net in the 48th minute, leaving Milan with a mountain to climb.
At this point, Inter looked set to secure their fourth consecutive Italian Super Cup title, and Milan’s hopes seemed all but dashed. However, AC Milan was far from finished.
Second Half: Milan’s Remarkable Comeback
The comeback started in the 52nd minute when Theo Hernandez scored a stunning free-kick to pull one goal back for Milan. His well-placed shot flew past the Inter keeper, igniting the hopes of Milan fans and sparking a renewed sense of belief within the team.
Milan began to press forward more aggressively, and their efforts paid off in the 80th minute, when Christian Pulisic managed to find the back of the net, equalizing the match at 2-2. Pulisic’s composure in front of goal was crucial, and his goal sent the game into a tense and dramatic final phase.
Decisive Moment: Tammy Abraham’s Last-Minute Heroics
With the match appearing to head toward extra time, it was Tammy Abraham who proved to be the hero for Milan. In the dying moments of the match, Abraham latched onto a perfectly timed assist from Pulisic, taking a quick touch before firing the ball into the net in the 93rd minute to give Milan the lead for the first time in the game. The roar from the Milan fans could be heard around the world as the team celebrated their remarkable turnaround.
Player Performances: Key Contributors in Milan’s Victory
- Tammy Abraham (9/10): Abraham’s poaching instincts came to the fore as he scored the crucial winning goal in the final moments. His composure under pressure was exemplary, and his performance in the dying moments of the match was key to Milan’s victory.
- Christian Pulisic (8.5/10): Pulisic was instrumental in Milan’s comeback, first contributing the equalizing goal in the 80th minute and then providing the assist for Abraham’s winner. His work ethic, creativity, and ability to deliver in crucial moments were vital for Milan.
- Theo Hernandez (8/10): Hernandez’s stunning free-kick goal in the 52nd minute was the catalyst for Milan’s revival. His attacking runs and defensive stability were critical throughout the match.
- Mike Maignan (7/10): While not directly involved in the attacking phase, Milan’s goalkeeper, Maignan, played a solid game, making key saves to keep his team in the match, especially after the early goals by Inter.
Significance of the Win: Milan’s Eighth Italian Super Cup Title
This victory marks AC Milan’s eighth Italian Super Cup title, allowing them to equal Inter Milan’s record in the competition. The triumph is particularly sweet for Milan, as it denies Inter Milan the chance to secure an unprecedented fourth consecutive Super Cup victory.
The win is also significant in the context of Sergio Conceicao’s first season in charge of Milan. The new coach has been praised for instilling resilience and tactical discipline into the team, and this victory is a testament to his ability to manage high-pressure situations.
Milan’s dramatic comeback underscores the team’s never-say-die attitude and their capability to perform under immense pressure. The victory also sends a message to the rest of Serie A and Europe that Milan, despite facing some challenges, remain a force to be reckoned with in Italian football.
Looking Ahead: Milan’s Season After the Super Cup Triumph
With the Italian Super Cup secured, AC Milan’s confidence will be boosted as they head into the second half of the season. The victory will provide momentum for the Serie A campaign, where Milan are looking to challenge for the league title. Milan’s comeback victory has shown that they are a team capable of overcoming adversity, and their squad depth, led by key players like Abraham, Pulisic, and Hernandez, looks stronger than ever.
For Inter Milan, the defeat will be disappointing, especially given their strong start. However, they will look to bounce back quickly and refocus their efforts on the Serie A and Champions League.
Conclusion: A Triumph for Milan’s Fighting Spirit
AC Milan’s 3-2 victory over Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup will go down as one of the most memorable finals in recent years. The resilience and tactical prowess shown by the team, particularly in the second half, showcased the fighting spirit that has long been associated with Milan.
With Tammy Abraham’s dramatic winner and Christian Pulisic’s vital contributions, this victory serves as a defining moment in Milan’s season, sending a clear message that they are back among the elite in Italian football.
