AC Milan Boss Conceicao Targets Coppa Italia Triumph Against Inter

AC Milan manager Sergio Conceicao is looking to salvage the team's season with a Coppa Italia win, which could secure European qualification.

AC Milan's season has been underwhelming, but manager Sergio Conceicao is eyeing Coppa Italia glory as a potential route back into European competition. Ahead of their semi-final first leg against Inter Milan on Wednesday, Conceicao emphasized the importance of the competition.

Conceicao acknowledged that a Coppa Italia triumph might be Milan's only hope for European qualification, given their current ninth-place standing in Serie A, 20 points behind leaders Inter. “We're aware that it's important for Europe. But let's not think about the other games. We know that this is the quickest way into Europe,” Conceicao told reporters on Tuesday.

While Conceicao expressed his desire to win the trophy, he cautioned against looking too far ahead. “I'd be satisfied for sure for a trophy, but first you have to win it with Inter and then the final. This is futurology, I like to win day by day,” he said, emphasizing the need to focus on the present moment.

🗣 Coach Conceição talks about:

⚔ The derby
🫂 The team
🔥 Passion#MilanInter #CoppaItaliaFrecciarossa #SempreMilan pic.twitter.com/2FZiw61I14

— AC Milan (@acmilan) April 1, 2025

Conceicao also conceded that Milan's current standing is not where he wants the club to be. “Milan aren't used to this ranking, but there are still a lot of games to go,” he said, hinting that there is still time for the team to turn their season around.

Sergio Conceicao expressed his mixed emotions about AC Milan's season, acknowledging that he has experienced more disappointment than happiness in recent months. “I'm not the happiest in the world because of the things I've experienced over these last months. I've been happy in some moments, disappointed in many more,” Conceicao said, emphasizing the need for improvement.

Despite the challenges, Conceicao drew attention to Milan's past successes against Inter Milan this season, with two wins and a draw in their three meetings. “They've been important games for us. The situations are different, with different players on the pitch. We'll see if we can have a good game tomorrow, let's see what Inter can do,” Conceicao said, highlighting the unpredictability of the upcoming match.

Conceicao also praised Inter Milan's strength and solidity, acknowledging the team's impressive performance under their experienced coach. “They are a very strong team with a solid game and a coach who has been there for a long time,” Conceicao said, showing respect for their upcoming opponents.