Riyadh, Jan 6 — Tammy Abraham delivered a moment of pure magic in added time to cap a stunning comeback for AC Milan, sealing a dramatic 3-2 victory over arch-rivals Inter Milan in the Italian Super Cup final. After trailing by two goals early on, Milan turned the tide in spectacular fashion at the King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh on Monday night.
The victory not only denied Inter a record-breaking fourth consecutive Super Cup triumph but also brought Milan level with their city rivals on eight wins in the competition. For newly appointed manager Serge Conceição, it was a dream debut—lifting silverware in just his second game in charge.
A Match for the Ages
The night began with a dazzling light show that set the stage for what would become a memorable encounter. But it wasn’t until the dying moments of the first half that the game truly ignited.
Inter took the lead when Mehdi Taremi delivered a pinpoint pass across the box to Lautaro Martínez, who danced past Malick Thiaw with sublime footwork before firing a low shot through Theo Hernandez’s legs. The ball beat Mike Maignan at his near post, putting Inter ahead.
Just two minutes into the second half, Inter doubled their advantage. Stefan de Vrij launched a long ball over the top, which Taremi controlled effortlessly before drilling his shot into the bottom corner. At 2-0, it seemed the trophy was heading back to Inter.
Milan’s Revival
AC Milan refused to back down. Rafael Leão entered the fray and made an immediate impact, winning a free kick just outside the area. Theo Hernandez stepped up and curled a low shot around the wall, sneaking it inside the post to bring Milan back into contention.
The Rossoneri continued to press relentlessly. Tijjani Reijnders saw his effort blocked by Alessandro Bastoni’s face, while Inter keeper Yann Sommer made a stunning save to deny an Alvaro Morata header. Inter came agonizingly close to restoring their two-goal cushion when Carlos Augusto’s header struck the upright and fell into Maignan’s grateful arms.
With 10 minutes remaining, Christian Pulisic provided the spark Milan needed. Surrounded by three Inter defenders, Pulisic expertly controlled Hernandez’s cross and steered his shot into the far corner. The equalizer sent the game hurtling toward a dramatic conclusion.
Abraham’s Decisive Moment
While many expected the match to head to penalties—with no extra time scheduled—Milan had other plans. Leão, a constant menace after coming on, surged down the flank and delivered a perfect cutback across the goal. Tammy Abraham, positioned perfectly, tapped in the simplest of finishes to complete the turnaround and break Inter hearts.
Conceição’s joy was palpable as he celebrated wildly with his players, while Inter’s squad slumped to the turf, stunned by the late twist.
A Victory to Build On
For AC Milan, the triumph not only secured silverware but also demonstrated their resilience and determination under their new manager. Abraham’s decisive strike and the team’s collective fightback will surely boost morale as Milan looks to build on this victory in their domestic and European campaigns.
For Inter, the loss will sting. Their quest for a fourth consecutive Super Cup was thwarted by their fiercest rivals, leaving them to ponder missed opportunities.
As the celebrations raged on in Riyadh, one thing was clear: AC Milan’s dramatic comeback was a night to remember, and Tammy Abraham’s name will be etched in Super Cup history.
