AC Milan Faces Cagliari in Serie A After Super Cup Triumph

AC Milan will host Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday, just days after securing the Italian Super Cup under new coach Sergio Conceicao. The Rossoneri claimed their first trophy under Conceicao with a dramatic 3-2 victory over city rivals Inter Milan on Monday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner.

Conceicao, who took charge of Milan last week, emphasized the need for his team to refocus on league duties. “I think that those who think that winning a Super Cup is enough cannot work at Milan,” he said during a press conference on Friday. “We are 17 points off the top of the table. A club that has won 19 championships and seven Champions Leagues cannot have their belly full with the Super Cup.”

Milan’s victory in the Super Cup tied them with Inter on eight titles, one behind the record holders Juventus. However, Conceicao remains focused on improving the team’s performance. “One of the things that didn’t go well in the derby is that we made mistakes in pressing,” he admitted. “There are many things that need to be improved.”

The match against Cagliari will mark Conceicao’s first Serie A game in charge. Milan will be without a key midfielder due to a minor injury, though Conceicao did not disclose the player’s identity. “He has a small problem and won’t be there tomorrow,” the coach said. “I’m sorry, because he was growing physically.”

Conceicao also addressed transfer rumors, including links to Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. “Rashford is a good player like many others, let’s see what happens,” he said, adding that discussions with the club’s leadership about potential signings have been postponed. “The most important thing is tomorrow.”

Cagliari, currently 17th in the league, will pose a challenge for Milan. Key battles are expected between Milan’s Theo Hernandez and Cagliari’s Gabriele Zappa, as well as in the midfield, where Yunus Musah‘s dynamic runs could trouble Cagliari’s Michel Adopo. Rafael Leao, who starred in the Super Cup, will also be a focal point for Milan’s attack.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2:45 PM local time at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan.