The Conceiçao family experienced a funny match in Riyadh. For his first time on the AC Milan bench, Sergio, the father, saw his team turn the match around to defeat Juventus and join Inter in the final of the Italian Super Cup. An evening that contrasts with that of his son Francisco. Announced as the starter, the Portuguese had to give up his place at the last moment to Kenan Yildiz following discomfort during the warm-up, before seeing his partners eliminated while they were leading the score.
Although called up at the last minute, the young Turk was the man of the match for Turin. Always on good terms, the winger allowed his team to race in front for around fifty minutes. On a superb opening from Samuel Mbangula, the Turinese won his face-to-face with Mike Maignan with a powerful strike (1-0, 21st). A goal which rewarded, at that moment, the mastery of Thiago Motta’s players. With a little more accuracy, notably from Dusan Vlahovic (47th), they could have increased their lead.
Four decisive minutes
The Rossoneri were able to re-mobilize at the break after a first act full of technical inaccuracies. And in 4 minutes, the meeting swung in their favor. Christian Pulisic first converted a penalty that he had obtained himself (1-1, 51st), before Federico Gatti propelled the ball into his own net on a pass from Yunus Musah (1-2, 75th) . Galvanized by this reversal of the situation, the Lombards were able to maintain their advantage, despite a final opportunity from Gatti (90th + 5).
AC Milan therefore meets Inter, its rival, in the Supercoppa final. A meeting which will take place this Monday, still in Riyadh. A context which is very reminiscent of that of 2022. Internazionale then won 3-0 against its neighbor, already in the Saudi capital. For Sergio Conceiçao, the opportunity is too good. In just two games, the 50-year-old technician can already win his first trophy with his new club. Enough to start his new chapter in Milan in the best possible way.