Sergio Conceicao has introduced again the feelgood issue to AC Milan because the seven-time European champions host Cagliari on Saturday nonetheless on a excessive from a dramatic Italian Tremendous Cup overcome native rivals and Serie A kings Inter Milan.
Little has gone proper for Milan this season, with supporters demanding American homeowners RedBird promote the membership as inconsistent performances and outcomes left one in every of Italy’s footballing giants miles off the title tempo.
However the method with which Conceicao has began his San Siro reign, changing compatriot Paulo Fonseca simply as Milan set off for Saudi Arabia and commandeering his new crew to 2 superb wins over Juventus and Inter, has utterly modified the environment across the membership.
Two objectives down a minute into the second half of Monday’s ultimate in Riyadh, few would have again Milan to bounce again towards Italian champions Inter.
However Milan confirmed the kind of braveness not often seen this season to grab victory deep in stoppage time, simply as Conceicao did on his enjoying debut in Italy in 1998, when the Portuguese scored a last-gasp objective to win the Tremendous Cup for Lazio.
Movies of Conceicao dancing for his gamers whereas smoking a chunky cigar in triumph instantly flew round social media and had been shared by delighted followers in discussion groups, celebrating an sudden success and goading rivals Interisti who’ve lorded it over Milan in current seasons.
“As quickly as we obtained again into the dressing room the gamers requested me to bop and smoke a cigar as a result of they knew that it is my ritual after I win a trophy,” stated Conceicao.
Combative, charismatic Conceicao matches the profile followers wished in the summertime after they demanded league-leading Napoli boss Antonio Conte and the 50-year-old now has to information Milan to the Champions League spots.
Milan are eighth and path fourth-placed Lazio, who host Como on Friday hoping to bounce again from a Rome derby defeat, by eight factors having performed two matches fewer.
A kind of video games in hand is at Como on Tuesday night because the Tremendous Cup contenders — the Milan golf equipment, Juventus and Atalanta — play the league fixtures they missed simply after the flip of the yr.
And Conceicao will see whether or not Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez’s sensational performances towards Inter are an indication of issues to return from two gamers who steadily clashed with Fonseca.
“After this type of win gamers can lose motivation and get complacent,” added Conceicao.
“That may’t occur as a result of we have to preserve displaying that we have now a winner’s angle. Milan don’t belong in seventh or eighth place within the league.”
Inter will attempt to minimize the four-point hole separating them from Napoli at struggling Venezia the place coach Simone Inzaghi will probably be with out injured midfield talisman Hakan Calhanoglu.
Nonetheless Marcus Thuram, who missed the Tremendous Cup ultimate, ought to be again for a packed schedule during which Inter host Bologna on Wednesday after which have two Champions League fixtures in as many weeks, with direct qualification for the final 16 but to be secured.
Participant to observe: Charles De Ketelaere
Atalanta enter a key interval for his or her unprecedented Scudetto bid and star attacker De Ketelaere will probably be essential with residence clashes towards Juventus and Napoli coming subsequent week.
Belgium ahead De Ketelaere has scored 10 instances and arrange 9 extra in all competitions this season and can line up alongside Ademola Lookman in an uncommon strike pairing of two wingers at Udinese on Saturday afternoon.
Italy striker Mateo Retegui is unlikely to be again earlier than the go to of Napoli and will but miss subsequent weekend’s conflict on the Gewiss Stadium which can present a severe take a look at of their league title credentials.
Atalanta path Napoli by three factors however will play their sport in hand on Tuesday towards Juve, who first tackle native rivals Torino on Saturday.
Fixtures (instances GMT)
Friday
Lazio v Como (1945)
Saturday
Empoli v Lecce, Udinese v Atalanta (1400), Torino v Juventus (1700), AC Milan v Cagliari (1945)
Sunday
Genoa v Parma (1130), Venezia v Inter Milan (1400), Bologna v Roma (1700), Napoli v Verona (1945)
Monday
Monza v Fiorentina (1945)
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