In a thrilling Inter vs Milan showdown, AC Milan staged a sensational comeback to beat Inter Milan 3-2 and claim their first Italian Super Cup since 2016. Tammy Abraham’s last-gasp goal sealed the deal in Riyadh, giving the Rossoneri their eighth Super Cup title, equaling Inter’s record.
The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, with Inter starting strong but failing to withstand a resurgent Milan in the second half. Let’s dive into the dramatic evening that crowned AC Milan the champions.
First Half: Inter in Command
Inter Milan came into the match as the favorites, riding high after a comfortable 2-0 victory over Atalanta in the semifinals. They wasted no time asserting dominance, with Lautaro Martinez opening the scoring in the 19th minute. A clinical finish from the Argentine had Inter fans believing in a fourth consecutive Super Cup triumph.
Inter’s confidence grew further when Mehdi Taremi doubled their lead early in the second half, converting a swift counterattack. But the first half also saw the Nerazzurri suffer a setback when Hakan Calhanoglu limped off with a muscular injury, forcing coach Simone Inzaghi to bring on Kristjan Asllani. This disruption would prove costly as Milan regrouped during the break.
Second Half: The Rossoneri Resurgence
Trailing 2-0, Milan emerged from the dressing room with renewed determination. Their efforts bore fruit in the 52nd minute when Theo Hernandez delivered a sublime free kick, curling the ball past Inter’s wall and into the top corner. It was the spark Milan needed to believe in a comeback.
The equalizer came in the 80th minute courtesy of Christian Pulisic, whose quick footwork and powerful finish brought Milan level. The US winger, in scintillating form, showcased why he’s become a vital cog in Sergio Conceicao’s squad.
Tammy Abraham: The Last-Minute Hero
As the clock ticked into injury time, it seemed the game was destined for extra time. But Tammy Abraham had other ideas. In the 93rd minute, the English forward latched onto a cross from Rafael Leão and slotted the ball past Inter’s helpless goalkeeper. The late winner sent the Milan fans into raptures and sealed the Rossoneri’s triumph.
Key Takeaways
- Milan’s Never-Say-Die Spirit: From 2-0 down to lifting the trophy, Milan’s fightback highlighted their resilience and tactical adaptability under Sergio Conceicao.
- Inter’s Missed Opportunities: While Inter started strong, their inability to capitalize on their lead and the injury to Calhanoglu shifted the momentum.
- Tammy Abraham’s Clutch Moment: Abraham’s late-game heroics once again underscored his ability to deliver under pressure.
- Theo Hernandez’s Leadership: The left-back not only inspired the comeback but also reminded everyone why he’s one of Europe’s best.
- Christian Pulisic’s Rising Star: The US international’s equalizer and overall performance cemented his importance to Milan’s attacking setup.
FAQs
AC Milan defeated Inter Milan 3-2 in the Italian Super Cup final.
Theo Hernandez, Christian Pulisic, and Tammy Abraham scored for Milan.
This victory marks AC Milan’s eighth Super Cup title, equaling Inter Milan’s tally and trailing only Juventus, who have nine titles.
AC Milan last won the Italian Super Cup in 2016.
Tammy Abraham, with his match-winning goal, and Theo Hernandez, with his inspired leadership, were standout performers.
Conclusion: Milan’s Night of Glory
The Italian Super Cup clash between Inter and Milan will be remembered as a tale of two halves. Inter’s dominance in the first half was overshadowed by a stunning Milan resurgence in the second. Tammy Abraham’s late winner capped a night of drama and triumph for the Rossoneri.
For Milan, this win is more than just a trophy; it’s a statement of intent as they continue their quest for domestic and European glory. For Inter, it’s a reminder that no lead is safe, especially against a rival as determined as AC Milan. Football, after all, is a game of comebacks—and Milan just wrote one for the ages.
