AC Milan Stuns Inter in Supercoppa Thriller: A Comeback for the Ages

A Night to Remember in Riyadh

AC Milan delivered a stunning comeback to claim the Supercoppa Italiana with a 3-2 victory over city rivals Inter Milan on January 6, 2025, at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite trailing 2-0 early in the second half, the Rossoneri showcased remarkable resilience, securing their first Supercoppa Italiana title in nine years. The result also marked a dream start for new manager Sergio Conceição, who lifted his first trophy just a week into his tenure.

Cagey Start to the Milan Derby

Both teams entered the match with caution, opting for tactical precision over risk-taking. AC Milan’s Alex Jimenez and Alvaro Morata had early opportunities but failed to convert. Inter responded with sharp counters, and as the first half unfolded, neither side managed to establish clear dominance.

Martinez Ends His Drought

Inter struck the first blow in the dying moments of the first half. Lautaro Martinez, who had gone ten games without scoring, received a clever pass from Nicolò Barella. With a quick turn inside the box, Martinez fired a low shot past Mike Maignan, giving Inter a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Taremi Doubles the Advantage

The Nerazzurri extended their lead just two minutes into the second half. A perfectly weighted long ball from Stefan de Vrij found Mehdi Taremi, who controlled it impeccably before bending a shot into the bottom corner. Taremi’s brilliance seemed to put Inter on course for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Supercoppa Italiana title.

Theo Hernandez Sparks the Fightback

The turning point came in the 52nd minute. Theo Hernandez stepped up to take a free kick from 20 yards out, delivering a low, curling strike into the bottom left corner. Yann Sommer had no answer for Hernandez’s precision. The goal injected life into AC Milan and set the stage for one of the most dramatic comebacks in the history of the Milan derby.

Bastoni’s Heroic Block Denies Reijnders

AC Milan pressed for the equalizer and nearly found it in the 61st minute. Rafael Leao’s electrifying run ended with a clever pass to Tijjani Reijnders, who appeared to have an open goal. However, Alessandro Bastoni’s remarkable diving header on the goal line kept Inter’s lead intact, leaving Milan temporarily frustrated.

Pulisic Brings Milan Level

The breakthrough finally came in the 80th minute. Theo Hernandez, pivotal throughout the match, cut the ball back to Christian Pulisic. The American forward struck a composed shot across the goal, leaving Sommer rooted. This was Pulisic’s 10th goal of the season, cementing his status as a key contributor and making him the first American to score double-digit goals in consecutive seasons in Europe’s top five leagues since Clint Dempsey.

Maignan’s Heroics Keep Milan in It

Inter launched a late surge to restore their lead. Lautaro Martinez displayed his playmaking ability with an outside-of-the-boot pass to Davide Frattesi, whose shot was blocked. The loose ball fell to Denzel Dumfries, but Mike Maignan’s sliding save from close range ensured Milan stayed level heading into stoppage time.

Abraham Seals the Comeback

The decisive moment came in the 93rd minute. Christian Pulisic threaded an incisive pass through Inter’s midfield to Rafael Leao, who delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box. Tammy Abraham, on as a substitute, controlled the ball expertly before firing it past Sommer. The goal capped Milan’s extraordinary comeback and silenced their city rivals.

Rossoneri Triumph, Nerazzurri Heartbreak

AC Milan’s victory marked their eighth Supercoppa Italiana triumph, tying them with Inter in the competition’s history. For Inter, the defeat was a devastating blow, denying them a record-breaking fourth consecutive title. This loss, combined with their earlier 2-1 defeat to Milan in the 2024-25 Derby della Madonnina, leaves Inter reeling in their battle for supremacy.

Game Statistics

A Derby for the Ages

This thrilling encounter will be remembered as one of the great matches in the storied rivalry between Milan’s two giants. The game epitomized the drama and unpredictability of football, with AC Milan showcasing their fighting spirit and resilience to emerge victorious.