In just seven days on the job, Sergio Conceicao has already made a huge impact as AC Milan’s new coach, guiding the team to an incredible victory in the Italian Super Cup. The Rossoneri came from behind to defeat their city rivals Inter Milan 3-2, turning a two-goal deficit into a stunning win.

The game was a rollercoaster of emotions. Inter started strong, with Lautaro Martinez and Mehdi Taremi scoring on either side of halftime to give them a 2-0 lead. But AC Milan refused to back down. Rafael Leao, who came off the bench, was instrumental in all three of Milan’s goals. First, he earned a foul that led to Theo Hernandez curling in a brilliant free kick. Then, Leao kickstarted a counterattack that Christian Pulisic finished by shooting through the legs of Inter’s goalkeeper. Finally, in stoppage time, Leao set up Pulisic with a perfect pass, who crossed to Tammy Abraham for an easy tap-in, securing the win just before the match could head to penalties.

This victory marked AC Milan’s first trophy since their Serie A title in 2022 and their first Super Cup win since 2016. It’s also their eighth Super Cup title overall.

Conceicao, who replaced Paulo Fonseca only a week ago, had already shown his ability to rally the team with another comeback win over Juventus in the semifinals. So what’s the secret behind his quick success? According to Abraham and Pulisic, it’s all about attitude. “We played with confidence, courage, and hunger,” Abraham said. Pulisic added, “He told us hunger matters more than tactics.” This shift in mindset seems to have lit a fire under the squad.

Interestingly, Conceicao isn’t exactly known for being warm and fuzzy. When asked earlier if he was the type to hug his players, he responded, “I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to win.” But after this thrilling final, he was seen celebrating in style—dancing with his players and even enjoying a cigar in the locker room.

The game was held in Saudi Arabia, part of a four-team tournament format that has been hosted there five times in the last seven years. For Inter Milan, this loss was only their third across all competitions this season—and their second against AC Milan. Earlier in September, Milan beat them 2-1 in a Serie A derby.

Lautaro Martinez admitted that Inter let their guard down after taking the 2-0 lead. “Inter stopped playing when it was 2-0,” he said. “You can’t do that in games like this. We knew Milan’s biggest weapon is their counterattacks.”

Milan fans now have a reason to feel optimistic as the team prepares for their next Serie A match against Cagliari on Saturday. Despite sitting in eighth place with only seven wins from 17 matches so far this season, this triumph could give them the confidence boost they need to climb up the standings.

For Inter, it’s back to the drawing board as they look to bounce back from a rare setback in what has otherwise been an impressive season.