In a match that looked and felt like a real Milan derby, AC Milan have prevailed over Inter Milan to win the 2011 Italian Super Cup in Beijing, thanks to a fantastic second half performance by the Rossoneri and an astute substitution by Max Allegri. Inter took a lead into the first half after a very even period, but Milan were the superior side in the second 45 minutes and deserve their win.
AC Milan Vs. Inter Milan, Italian Super Cup: Full Time, Milan Win 2-1
The opening goal was scored by Wesley Sneijder, and it was an absolute beauty. In the 20th minute, Gennaro Gattuso hauled down Thiago Motta just outside of the penalty area, giving the Dutchman a direct free kick opportunity. From the left side of the penalty area, he hit a fantastic curling shot to the upper 90, giving Christian Abbiati little chance. The Milan keeper did well to get a finger to the ball, but couldn't keep it out of the net.
Milan looked like a different team after the halftime whistle and created an equalizer not long into the second half, with some great combination play between their forward players. Robinho started the attack with a good ball down the right flank for Clarence Seedorf, who chipped in a cross. Zlatan Ibrahimovic got onto the end of it and finished, tying up the match at 1-1.
At that point, Allegri substituted in Pato, which turned out to be a master stroke. Not that it takes a genius to figure out that Pato might be able to help a team create goals, but the timing of the substitution was perfect. Around 10 minutes after entering the game, the Brazilian striker set up the winner, beating a defender before cracking a brilliant shot off the post. Kevin-Prince Boateng followed that shot and picked up the rebound, scoring past Julio Cesar to give his team what would be the eventual winner.
This is the sixth time in Milan’s history that they have lifted the Italian Super Cup, and they’ll feel like they have some fantastic momentum over Inter headed into the Serie A campaign...especially if Wesley Sneijder packs his bags for England.
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