Sérgio Conceição Sparks Revival as AC Milan Triumph in Supercoppa Derby
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Sérgio Conceição Sparks Revival as AC Milan Triumph in Supercoppa Derby

07/01/25 21:38

AC Milan are back in the headlines for all the right reasons. Under the fiery stewardship of Sérgio Conceição, the Rossoneri have claimed their first trophy in three years, defeating city rivals Inter in a dramatic Supercoppa Italiana final in Riyadh.

In a footballing "speed-run" that has already captivated fans, Conceição’s high-octane arrival has Milan fans dreaming of brighter days.

A Meteoric Start

When Sérgio Conceição took charge of Milan just a week ago, few could have anticipated this whirlwind transformation. He stepped into a storm, replacing Paulo Fonseca in a chaotic managerial transition that saw the outgoing coach announce his dismissal from a car window.

Undeterred, the Portuguese tactician got straight to work, overseeing his first training session on Monday, then guiding his team to two thrilling victories within days.

His debut week couldn’t have been more eventful: a come-from-behind win over Juventus in the semi-final, a fiery touchline presence despite battling a fever, and finally, a thrilling 3-2 victory against Inter to clinch the Supercoppa. From tactical tweaks to his motivational grit, Conceição’s fingerprints were all over Milan’s success.

A Derby for the Ages

Inter looked in cruise control as they took a 2-0 lead with goals from Lautaro Martínez and Mehdi Taremi. Martínez, a perennial thorn in Milan’s side, had once again delivered in this fixture. But instead of folding, Milan found an extra gear.

The comeback began with a sublime free-kick from Theo Hernández, curled low and precise into the bottom corner. The match ignited as both sides threw caution to the wind. Christian Pulisic’s equalizer in the 80th minute, courtesy of Hernández’s dazzling run and assist, set the stage for a grandstand finish.

It was in the dying moments of injury time that Milan delivered the knockout blow. Pulisic turned creator, threading a pass through Inter’s defense to Rafael Leão, whose audacious flick found Tammy Abraham for the winner. It was a goal that will live long in the memory of Milan fans – a poetic crescendo to a gripping contest.

Conceição’s Winning Mentality

Sérgio Conceição is no stranger to success, having claimed 11 trophies during his seven-year tenure at Porto. His reputation as a demanding, no-nonsense manager was evident from the start. Double training sessions before the Juventus game set the tone, with Conceição emphasizing discipline and tactical rigor.

His tough-love approach is already bearing fruit. Theo Hernández and Rafael Leão, two players who struggled under Fonseca, have been rejuvenated under Conceição.

Leão, described by his manager as a “phenomenon,” delivered a stunning performance despite just returning from injury. Conceição’s belief in the Portuguese forward is clear: “If he learns a few things, he can be the best in the world.”

The Bigger Picture

While the Supercoppa triumph is a statement, Milan’s true challenges lie ahead. Sitting eighth in Serie A, the Rossoneri are eight points adrift of the top four. Conceição’s focus is already on the upcoming clash against Cagliari, with his sights set firmly on dragging Milan back into Champions League contention.

“The Supercoppa is special, but Milan’s place is not seventh or eighth. It’s at the top,” he declared. And with Milan in a promising position in the Champions League group phase, the season still holds potential for glory.

A Night to Remember, A Future to Build

The Supercoppa win doesn’t erase years of frustration or Inter’s recent dominance in this storied rivalry. But it does provide Milan fans with something they have sorely missed: belief. For the first time in over a decade, they’ve won back-to-back derbies, a feat that could signal a shift in the balance of power.

Sérgio Conceição’s journey at Milan is only just beginning, but the early signs suggest this could be the start of something special. Whether this is a fleeting moment or the foundation of a new era, one thing is certain – Milan are back in the conversation, and their rivals are on notice.

Benji Kosartiyer
Journalist
Jamie Somerville

Writer

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