ROME (AFP) - Alexis Sanchez became the hero for Inter Milan, as his last-gasp winner in the extra time helped the Nerazzurri come from behind to beat Juventus 2-1, registering its sixth Supercoppa in history.
The Supercoppa is a traditional clash between the previous season’s Serie A and Coppa Italia champions. Juve is the winner of the last edition, while Inter’s last victory in this competition came in 2010.
With Matthijs de Ligt and Juan Cuadrado being suspended, Juve also had to play without an injured Federico Chiesa, and Mattia Perin got the nod to stand between the sticks as Wojciech Szczesny failed to get a green pass, while Inter was at relatively full strength.
Inter had a more aggressive start but it was the Bianconeri that broke the deadlock in the 25th minute when Alvaro Morata floated a cross from the byline and Weston McKennie steered his header into the net undisturbed.
The defending champion of Serie A got back on level terms 10 minutes later, as Lautaro Martinez turned up to convert the penalty after De Sciglio kicked down Edin Dzeko in the box.
The game was dragged into extra time after two sides played out a goalless second half despite some genuine chances.
In the extra time, Sanchez’s header following Hakan Calhanoglu’s corner went wide while Paulo Dybala blasted it over.