Sergio Conukicao insisted that the motivation of AC Milan to win the Coppa Italia does not come from spoiling neighbors Inter's bid to win the Treble.
Milan is the ninth in the classification of the Serie A, from the Champions League, and far beyond the pace to qualify for the competition of next season.
In the meantime, Inter is the top of the domestic competition and in the semi-final of Europe's Elite Club competition.
Last season Inter de Scudetto insured a victory over Milan, but Conceicao has sufficient reasons to want to overcome their rivals in the semi-final of the Coppa Italia Semi-final second stage, which is 1-1 after the first.
“The motivation does not come from the opponent, but from our work from day to day,” Conceicao told reporters.
“Unfortunately, there are no more chances in the competition, not even for the Champions League, and so we only think about it [Wednesday]. “
However, Conuicao realizes the importance of the game for a club like Milan, who cannot be satisfied with just winning the Supercoppa Italiana this season.
“It is an important match for everyone, players, clubs and fans, and we are aware of that,” he added.
“Milan has to fight for the Scudetto and the Champions League, they are used to this despite the past years. For a club like Milan it must be normal to reach the final of the Coppa Italia.
@KyleWalker2 and @RLC Train back with the Team #sempremilan
– AC Milan (@acmilan) April 21, 2025
“I congratulate Inter for the Champions League and the championship, this shows its strength. But for us this competition is fundamental because we want to win and go to the final to give a trophy to the fans.”
Milan has beaten twice this season, also in the Supercoppa Italiana final, but the parties have played a draw in their last two trips, the first time they have done this since the 2016-17 season.
Bologna led Empoli 3-0 in the other semi-final, with the second stage of that game that was played on Thursday.
Milan defender Kyle Walker, on loan from Manchester City, broke his elbow two weeks ago, and midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek recovered from Appendicitis, but Concukicao will have both players available against Inter.
“Walker has trained with the team, even if he is not at the top,” the manager said. “But both he and Loftus-Cheek will be there. It's positive news for us.”
Conuicao began to remember his press conference by Pope Francis, who died on Monday.
“A person who was the biggest exponent of the Catholic Church. I go to mass every day at 6.30 pm in the center of Milan,” said Conceicao. “He was an extraordinary man. We will miss his words and his gaze.”