January 04, (THEWILL) – AC Milan produced a remarkable comeback in Riyadh during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final, defeating Juventus 2-1 in new manager Sergio Conceicao’s first match.
The Portuguese coach observed his team transform a losing position into victory through determination and tactical excellence.
Juventus entered the contest riding their unbeaten Serie A record for 2024/2025, immediately demonstrating their quality when Kenan Yildiz struck.
The forward received a calculated pass from Khéphren Thuram before firing an unstoppable shot into the top-right corner of Mike Maignan’s goal.
The opening half remained tactically balanced, with neither side creating significant opportunities beyond the opening goal.
Milan emerged from the interval with renewed purpose, implementing an aggressive pressing strategy that nearly paid dividends through Theo Hernandez’s attempt from inside the penalty area.
Christian Pulisic changed the match’s complexion after earning and converting a penalty following Manuel Locatelli’s challenge.
Despite goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio making contact with the American’s powerful strike, the ball found its way into the net, levelling the score and shifting momentum towards Milan.
Rafael Leao spearheaded Milan’s winning moment, advancing down the right before attempting to find a teammate.
Fortune favoured the Rossoneri when Federico Gatti’s defensive intervention resulted in an own goal, completing their transformation from a trailing position to victory and ending Juventus’s 14-match unbeaten run.
Monday evening presents Milan with an opportunity to equal Inter’s eight Supercoppa titles when the city rivals meet.
The final represents more than local pride, offering Milan a chance to move within one trophy of Juventus’s record nine competition victories.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
