AC Milan Stages Comeback Against Inter to Win 3-2 in Extra Time and Claim Their Eighth Italian Super Cup, Matching Inter’s Record
An electrifying Derby della Madonnina unfolded as AC Milan overcame a 2-0 deficit to secure a 3-2 victory over Inter in extra time. With this triumph, the Rossoneri were crowned champions of the Italian Super Cup, claiming their eighth title to equal Inter’s tally.
Inter Took Early Control
The match at Al-Awwal Park began evenly, with both teams creating chances. However, Inter’s attacking threats appeared more dangerous as they pushed into AC Milan’s territory.
This pressure paid off just before halftime. In the 45+1’, a play down the left flank culminated in a cross that reached the right side of the box, where Lautaro Martínez, assisted by Mehdi Taremi, cut inside to evade a defender. With the goal in sight, the Argentine fired a low shot into the near post to give Inter a 1-0 lead.
Early in the second half, at the 47th minute, a long ball from Stefan de Vrij found Taremi, who anticipated the Milan defense and went one-on-one with goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The Iranian striker’s precise finish doubled Inter’s lead to 2-0.
AC Milan’s Response
When it seemed like Inter was poised to dominate the remainder of the match, AC Milan found a lifeline. In the 52nd minute, Theo Hernández executed a superb free kick from the edge of the box, driving a low, powerful shot into Yann Sommer’s near post. Despite his dive, the Inter keeper couldn’t stop the ball, reducing the deficit to 2-1.
Buoyed by the goal, the Rossoneri surged forward in search of an equalizer, creating clear opportunities that were thwarted by Inter’s defense and Sommer’s saves.
The equalizer finally came in the 80th minute. A move initiated by Milan’s goalkeeper reached Rafael Leão, who delivered a pinpoint through ball to Theo Hernández. The Frenchman advanced to the byline and sent in a precise cross that found Christian Pulisic. The American controlled the ball near the penalty spot with his back to the goal and, in a stunning half-turn, struck a powerful, angled shot past Sommer to level the score at 2-2.
Abraham’s Decisive Goal
With both teams pressing for a winner, Pulisic delivered a moment of brilliance. In the dying moments of extra time, he played a perfectly weighted pass from three-quarters of the field that broke through Inter’s defensive line. Leão latched onto the ball near the left corner of the six-yard box and whipped in a cross that Tammy Abraham slotted home with ease. Inter’s defense was caught flat-footed, helpless to stop the Englishman from sealing the 3-2 victory and snatching the Super Cup trophy from their grasp.
AC Milan’s Eighth Super Cup Triumph
This victory marked AC Milan’s eighth Italian Super Cup title, equaling Inter’s record and avenging their 2023 final loss, where Inter had defeated them 3-0. The Rossoneri now stand alongside their city rivals at the pinnacle of Italian Super Cup success.
