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AC Milan kicked off Sergio Conceicao’s tenure with a thrilling comeback victory over Juventus on Friday night, securing a spot in the Supercoppa Italiana final. Despite trailing 1-0 at halftime, Milan turned the game around in the second half, with Christian Pulisic equalizing from the penalty spot and Yunus Musah’s cross deflecting off Federico Gatti for the winner.
Conceicao’s first starting lineup as Milan head coach featured three changes, with Fikayo Tomori, Ismael Bennacer, and Christian Pulisic all included. Milan began aggressively, pressing Juventus high up the field, but struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half.
Juventus took the lead in the 21st minute through Kenan Yildiz, who got in behind Theo Hernandez and fired past Mike Maignan. The goal highlighted Milan’s defensive vulnerabilities, which Conceicao will need to address.
The first half was reminiscent of the 0-0 draw between the teams in October, with Milan pressing but unable to break down Juventus’ compact defense. Bennacer, making his first start since August, was on the receiving end of some rough tackles, while Milan’s only real shot of the half came from Youssouf Fofana.
In the second half, Yildiz came close to doubling Juventus’ lead, but Maignan saved his effort. Milan’s first change saw Bennacer make way for Yunus Musah, and the substitute played a crucial role in the turnaround.
Moments after the change, Theo Hernandez missed a gilt-edged chance to equalize, sending a close-range effort over the bar. However, Milan finally tested Juventus goalkeeper Di Gregorio with a shot on target through Tijjani Reijnders.
The equalizer came in the 70th minute, when Pulisic converted a penalty after being fouled by Manuel Locatelli. Just four minutes later, Musah’s cross deflected off Gatti and wrong-footed Di Gregorio, giving Milan the lead.
With eight minutes left, Conceicao made a double change, introducing Filippo Terracciano and Matteo Gabbia. Gabbia made a heroic block in the dying moments to deny Gatti a late equalizer, securing Milan’s spot in the Supercoppa Italiana final against Inter.
