Vieri: Inter ‘dangerous’ for Milan, Conceição can’t ‘work miracles’ | OneFootball

Christian Vieri believes Inter are favourite ‘on paper’ and a ‘dangerous’ opponent for Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana final, but warned that a Derby della Madonnina can always be ‘unpredictable’.

The former striker, who had stints for both sides in his playing days, admitted that Sergio Conceição impact on the Rossoneri bench was immediately felt, as he saw a team that is ‘alive’ in the semifinal against Juventus.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 03: Players of AC Milan acknowledge the fans after the team’s victory in the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between AC Milan and Juventus at Al Awwal Park on January 03, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

But regardless of the immediate improvements, Vieri doesn’t expect the Portuguese boss to ‘work miracles’ and ‘change everything’ in the blink of an eye, which is why the Nerazzurri are still considered favourites to lift the trophy after all, despite that the extra ‘motivations and energy’ that a game like this can bring.

Vieri: Inter ‘dangerous’ to play for Milan now, but Conceição’s side are ‘alive’

“For me, facing an Inter like this is dangerous,” the 51-year-old told Sportmediaset.

“The great Sergio [Conceição] is back in Italy, and I’m happy for him. It’s not like he can work miracles and change everything in a single match, but he will gradually leave his mark.”

The former striker wasn’t too surprised about Milan’s quick turnaround against the Bianconeri, as their ‘quality’ makes them a tricky opponent for everyone, including an in-form Nerazzurri side.

“On paper, you say Inter [are favourites], but the recent league match-up shows that certain games are unpredictable,” Vieri added in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 02: Denzel Dumfries of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup Semi-Final match between FC Internazionale and Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on January 02, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

“The derby brings out motivations and energy that sometimes go beyond the objective value of the teams.

“Until the 70th minute [against Juventus], there was almost no contest, but Milan’s one-two punch, regardless of how it came, didn’t surprise me too much because there’s significant quality in the squad.

“Despite many issues and changes, the most important fact for Conceição emerges: Milan are alive.”

Having played alongside the new Rossoneri manager at Inter, Vieri described him as a ‘special’ and ‘fun’ man, adding that he has some specific demands from his players when it comes to his coaching style.

“He’s a great friend, a special man, and a fun one too,” he continued.

epa11804247 AC Milan’s Chrisitan Pulisic (front) celebrates scoring the 1-1 goal during the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final match between Juventus FC and AC Milan, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 03 January 2025. EPA-EFE/STR

“As a coach, his career speaks for itself. His Porto was a tough, aggressive team. Sergio demands speed, rhythm, intensity, and commitment to the cause.

“He expects the maximum effort from his players on the pitch, with no concessions for anyone who doesn’t give their all.”