AC Milan vs Inter Milan: A Look Back at the Nerazzurri's Dominant 3-0 Victory in the 2023 Supercoppa Italiana Final

The 2023 Supercoppa Italiana final wasn’t just another game; it was a fierce Derby della Madonnina that brought the footballing world to a standstill. AC Milan and Inter Milan, city rivals with decades of shared history, faced off in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with the year’s first piece of silverware on the line. But what was billed as a tightly contested clash quickly turned into a one-sided display, as Inter cruised to a resounding 3-0 victory.

The backdrop to this final was electric. Both Milanese giants entered the game with contrasting form. AC Milan, fresh off a strong Scudetto-winning campaign in 2021-22, were struggling to rediscover their rhythm under Stefano Pioli. Inter Milan, on the other hand, were beginning to hit their stride. It was also a rematch of sorts—a chance for Milan to exact revenge after Inter had knocked them out of the Coppa Italia semifinals just months prior. The stakes were as high as the tension in the stands, but from the first whistle, it became clear which team was more prepared for the occasion. 

First Half: Inter Seize Control 

Inter wasted no time in making their intentions clear. Within ten minutes, they had already exposed Milan’s vulnerabilities. A quick counterattack caught Milan’s backline out of position, and Federico Dimarco applied the finishing touch. A perfectly timed low cross from Nicolo Barella found Dimarco in acres of space, and the wing-back calmly slotted the ball past a helpless Ciprian Tatarusanu. The early goal rattled AC Milan, who struggled to establish any rhythm. Sandro Tonali and Ismael Bennacer were overwhelmed in midfield by Inter’s relentless press, orchestrated by the dynamic duo of Barella and Hakan Çalhanoğlu. On the other side, Rafael Leão—Milan’s brightest attacking spark—was effectively neutralized by Denzel Dumfries and Milan Škriniar.  

Inter doubled their lead in the 21st minute with a goal that showcased their clinical edge. Edin Džeko rolled back the years with a moment of pure class. Receiving the ball on the left flank, he cut inside Sandro Tonali with a deft touch before firing a curling shot into the far corner. The Riyadh crowd erupted, and Milan were left reeling. Milan tried to mount a response, but their efforts lacked conviction. Olivier Giroud was isolated up front, and Theo Hernández’s overlapping runs were well-contained by Matteo Darmian. Despite a brief period of possession towards the end of the half, the Rossoneri couldn’t find a way through Inter’s organized defense, heading into the break with a mountain to climb. 

Second Half and the Aftermath 

The second half offered more of the same. Milan started with renewed energy, but Inter remained disciplined and unyielding. Inzaghi’s men absorbed the pressure effortlessly, knowing they had the advantage both on the scoreboard and in their defensive structure. Inter’s third goal arrived in the 77th minute, hammering the final nail in Milan’s coffin. Lautaro Martínez, who had been lively throughout, capped off an excellent performance with a stunning strike. A perfectly weighted long ball from Skriniar found the Argentine in the box, and with a delicate flick, he chipped Tatarusanu to make it 3-0. It was a goal that summed up Inter’s dominance—precision, flair, and ruthlessness. 

For Inter Milan, the victory was a statement. Not only did they secure their seventh Supercoppa Italiana, but they also reinforced their dominance over their city rivals. Simone Inzaghi, often underrated, continued to build his reputation as a tactician who thrives in knockout competitions. For AC Milan, the loss was a harsh reality check. Pioli faced questions about his team’s inability to step up in crucial games, especially against top-tier opposition. While their Scudetto-winning campaign was a testament to their progress, this defeat highlighted the gaps they still needed to address to compete consistently at the highest level. 

The 3-0 result marked one of the most one-sided Supercoppa Italiana finals in recent memory. It was a night where Inter showcased their superiority, not just in tactics but also in execution. For Milan fans, it was a bitter pill to swallow—a reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in football. As the two sides prepare to clash again in this year’s edition, the shadow of the 2023 final looms large. Will Milan find redemption, or will Inter continue to assert their dominance in the Derby della Madonnina? 

Also Read: Inter Milan vs AC Milan Match Prediction, Fantasy Football Tips and Possible Starting Lineups