Conceicao’s Magic: Milan’s Derby Triumph in Supercoppa
- infotrustmebro
- Jan 7
- 3 min read
Who says football is predictable? Just days into his new role as AC Milan head coach, Sérgio Conceicao has already written his name into Rossoneri folklore. In a whirlwind week, the Portuguese tactician not only secured his first trophy but did so in dramatic fashion, engineering a stunning Supercoppa victory that included back-to-back triumphs over Juventus and Inter Milan.
This wasn’t just about silverware - it was about redemption, passion, and a family legacy played out on one of football’s biggest stages.
A Fiery Start: Turning Chaos into Triumph
Conceicao’s tenure began amid turmoil. AC Milan’s dismissal of Paulo Fonseca made headlines for its clumsy handling - Fonseca himself broke the news of his sacking from his car window. Yet, where others might have faltered, Conceicao thrived.
Barely a week into the job, he flew his squad to Riyadh for the Italian Supercoppa, overcoming sickness, unfamiliarity with his players, and immense pressure to deliver. His first test? A semi-final against Juventus, where his tactical acumen shone through as Milan overturned a deficit to secure victory.
But the true masterpiece came in the final, a Milan derby against their bitter rivals, Inter.
The Final: A Derby for the Ages
Monday night's clash at Riyadh's Al Awwal Park was anything but ordinary. Inter Milan, led by the ever-reliable Lautaro Martínez, seemed destined for victory with a commanding 2-0 lead. Yet Milan, under Conceicao’s fiery guidance, refused to bow.
Theo Hernández reignited the Rossoneri’s hopes with a brilliant free-kick that curled low past the Inter wall. What followed was a breathtaking display of end-to-end football. Christian Pulisic, Tijjani Reijnders, and Rafael Leão all had moments of brilliance, but it was in the dying minutes that Milan found their winner.
Leão, making his 2025 debut after injury, delivered a moment of magic. Receiving a perfectly timed pass from Pulisic, he deftly flicked the ball over Inter’s defense, allowing Tammy Abraham to seal the win with a clinical finish.
Cue wild celebrations. Conceicao, known for his no-nonsense demeanor, broke character. He danced, hugged Theo Hernández, and lit a celebratory cigar - a gesture reportedly insisted upon by his players.
A New Era?
Milan fans are no strangers to heartbreak, having endured years of being overshadowed by their city rivals. But this win - Milan’s first consecutive derby victories since 2011 - felt like a statement. It was a reminder that the Rossoneri, even when written off, can rise again.
Conceicao, a serial winner at Porto, has already begun instilling his relentless mindset into the squad. Double training sessions, tactical discipline, and an insistence on team-first football have already paid dividends. His players, particularly those like Leão and Hernández who struggled under Fonseca, seem reinvigorated.
“I’m not here to make friends; I’m here to win,” Conceicao declared before the tournament. His words rang true, but Monday night also showed a softer side - a coach who celebrated his team’s success with unrestrained joy.
The Road Ahead
Despite the euphoria, Conceicao is under no illusions. Milan’s league position - eighth in Serie A - remains a concern. “Milan’s place is not seventh or eighth but among the leaders,” he emphasized.
The Rossoneri have a long road to climb domestically, and consistency will be key if they hope to return to the Champions League next season. However, their European campaign offers a glimmer of hope, with Milan sitting in a promising position in the group phase.
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