The Milan Derby is always a high-stakes affair, but tonight’s showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raises the stakes to unprecedented levels. AC Milan and Inter Milan will face off in the Italian Super Cup final, with €11 million in prize money, early-season silverware, and city bragging rights on the line.
Inter Milan comes into the match as the favorite, having shown dominant form this season. Meanwhile, AC Milan, under new coach Sérgio Conceição, hopes to defy the odds and secure their second consecutive derby win. Here’s an in-depth look at what to expect from this highly anticipated clash.
A Historic Rivalry on a Global Stage
AC Milan and Inter Milan are two of the most successful clubs in Italian football, and their rivalry is one of the fiercest in the world. Both clubs have a storied history in the Italian Super Cup, with Inter claiming the trophy eight times and Milan lifting it seven times. Juventus, with nine titles, is the only club to have won it more often.
It’s the #EASPORTSFCSupercup final. It’s Derby Day #InterMilan #EASPORTSFCSupercup pic.twitter.com/Ckn8EVy2Mc
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) January 6, 2025
This will be the third time the Milan giants meet in the Super Cup final. In 2011, Milan triumphed 2-1 in Beijing, while Inter won 3-0 in Riyadh two years ago. Tonight’s encounter in Saudi Arabia adds another chapter to this storied rivalry, with both clubs eager to add to their trophy haul.
Inter Milan: The Team to Beat
Inter Milan enters the final as the clear favorite. Under Simone Inzaghi’s leadership, the Nerazzurri have been in exceptional form, riding a five-match winning streak without conceding a goal. Their dominance this season extends across Serie A and other competitions, making them a formidable opponent.
Inzaghi’s success in the Super Cup is unparalleled. He has won the trophy five times—two with Lazio and three with Inter. A victory tonight would secure Inter’s fourth consecutive Super Cup title, a feat no club has ever achieved.
Key Players to Watch
- Lautaro Martínez: Despite scoring just once in the past two months, the Argentine striker has a reputation for delivering in finals. His ability to rise to the occasion could be crucial for Inter’s success.
- Mehdi Taremi: With Marcus Thuram unlikely to start due to fitness concerns, Taremi will lead the line alongside Martínez. His physical presence and finishing ability will be key in breaking down Milan’s defense.
- Defensive and Midfield Leaders: Alessandro Bastoni, Nicolò Barella, and Federico Dimarco, all lifelong Inter fans, bring tactical expertise and emotional intensity to the squad. Their leadership could prove decisive.
Despite a few injuries—Benjamin Pavard and Francesco Acerbi are out—Inter’s depth ensures they remain the stronger side on paper.
AC Milan: The Underdogs with Potential
While Inter looks like the favorite, AC Milan arrives with a sense of renewed purpose under new coach Sérgio Conceição. The Portuguese tactician has already shown promise, leading Milan to a narrow victory over Juventus in the semifinals. However, tonight’s clash will be his toughest test yet.
For Milan, this match is more than just a chance to win a trophy. It’s an opportunity to solidify their resurgence and prove they can compete with the best. Conceição has the chance to become the first foreign coach to win a trophy with Milan since Nils Liedholm’s Scudetto victory in 1978.
Challenges Facing Milan
- Injury Concerns: Milan’s squad has been plagued by injuries, with Samuel Chukwueze, Noah Okafor, and Alessandro Florenzi all sidelined. Star forward Rafael Leão is expected to start on the bench, further limiting their attacking options.
- Form of Key Players: Veterans like Theo Hernández and Leão have yet to recapture their best form this season, placing additional pressure on the midfield trio of Youssouf Fofana, Tijjani Reijnders, and Christian Pulisic to deliver.
To stand a chance tonight, Milan will need to play a near-perfect game, relying on defensive discipline and counterattacking opportunities.
The Coaches: A Tense Rivalry
The clash between Simone Inzaghi and Sérgio Conceição adds another layer of intrigue to this derby. The two managers share a history of animosity stemming from a heated Champions League encounter two years ago. While Inzaghi has the edge in experience and a proven track record in the Super Cup, Conceição is eager to prove himself on this grand stage.
A victory tonight would not only cement Inzaghi’s legacy but also reinforce Inter’s dominance in Italian football. For Conceição, the stakes are even higher, as a win would mark the beginning of a new era for AC Milan.
Tactical Preview
Inter Milan’s approach will likely focus on controlling possession and exploiting Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities. Their ability to adapt tactically and maintain cohesion across the pitch gives them a significant advantage.
For AC Milan, the key will be staying compact defensively and utilizing the pace of their wingers on the counterattack. The potential second-half introduction of Rafael Leão could be a turning point if the game remains close.
What’s at Stake?
The Italian Super Cup is not just about the trophy—it’s about pride, legacy, and financial rewards. The winner will take home €11 million, along with a bonus for participating in a friendly against the Saudi Super Cup champion. The runner-up, meanwhile, will earn €6.7 million.
Beyond the financial incentives, this match is about asserting dominance in one of football’s most iconic rivalries. For Inter, it’s a chance to make history with a fourth consecutive Super Cup title. For Milan, it’s an opportunity to re-establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Italian football.
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