Dream start for Sergio Conceicao as Milan set up derby clash in Super Cup final

Inter up next for Rossoneri and their new boss after they come from behind to beat Juventus in Riyadh

AC Milan's Christian Pulisic celebrates scoring their first goal against Juventus in the Italian Super Cup semi-final at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh. Reuters

AC Milan's players celebrate winning the Italian Super Cup semi-final. AFP

Soccer Football - Italian Super Cup - Semi Final - Juventus v AC Milan - Al Awwal Park, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - January 3, 2025 AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao reacts REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

Juventus' Italian goalkeeper Michele Di Gregorio attempts to save an attempt by AC Milan's Christian Pulisic. AFP

AC Milan players celebrate their win. AFP

Tammy Abraham of AC Milan runs with the ball. Getty Images

Thiago Motta, Head Coach of Juventus, shouts instructions. Getty Images

Juventus' Turkish midfielder Kenan Yildiz celebrates after scoring the opening goal. AFP

AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao celebrated an Italian Super Cup semi-final victory over Juventus in his first game in charge on Friday – but the new boss had to deliver a half-time dressing down to rouse his players.

Milan went in 1-0 behind after a poor opening 45 minutes, and it took a stern pep talk from Conceicao to spark them into action, with their eventual 2-1 victory setting up a derby decider against Inter Milan on Monday night in Riyadh.

"After the first 45 minutes, in the locker room I didn't give kisses, in fact I got a little angry because the team didn't do the things we had prepared," Conceicao told Mediaset after the game at Al Awwal Stadium in the Saudi capital.

"This is a humble group, sometimes they lack a bit of ruthlessness to get to something more but over time we will get there."

Conceicao replaced the sacked Paulo Fonseca on Monday, with Milan eighth in the Serie A table, and the new manager gave a flavour of what the players can expect as he aims to turn things around at the famous but underachieving club.

"I'm not a very nice person, I don't like to give hugs to players, I'm more often angry but a group needs all this," Conceicao said.

"Ours is a quality group, I am very happy with them because they have also accepted a coach who does not smile so much.

"I'm not here to make friends, but to win."

Conceicao saved a hug for his son Francisco at the final whistle, after the Juventus winger had been named in the starting side but was forced to withdraw after picking up an injury in the warm-up.

"It was the end of a game, I was happier because I won the game and he was sadder but it's part of life," Conceicao said.

Next up for the Portuguese coach is a meeting with his old club Inter. Conceicao spent two seasons with the Nerazzurri, who booked their place in the final by beating Atalanta on Thursday. Another Super Cup victory would equal a record four in succession for Inter.

Their matchwinner against Serie A table toppers Atalanta was the Dutch wing-back Denzel Dumfries, who scored both goals in their 2-0 win.

He said: “Yes, this is the first time I’ve scored two goals in my career; I’m very happy about it – but it’s not my best night. We will now focus, and we will do our best during the next game in the final."

His manager Simone Inzaghi feels the defending champions are going into the final in good spirits.

“We got a great approach in the game [against Atalanta]. Excellent motivation, right mindset, and I praised the whole team," Inzaghi said.

"We have taken just one step, and we will wait for the next game on Monday. Winning the Super Cup is getting hard as we play two games within three to four days. I did many finals thanks to those guys.”