Ibrahimovic Name Returns to Milan Squad as Supercoppa Beckons
AC Milan could see the Ibrahimovic name attached to silverware again on Monday, with 19 year old Maximilian Ibrahimovic included in the squad for the Italian Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is not coming out of retirement, but his eldest son has been called up as Milan deal with a growing injury list ahead of the midweek semifinal against Napoli. Maximilian is one of six Primavera players promoted to the senior traveling group, giving him a chance to make his first team debut on a major stage.
The call-up carries obvious symbolism at San Siro. Zlatan scored 93 goals in 163 appearances across two spells with the club, winning two Serie A titles and lifting the Italian Supercoppa during his time as Milan’s on-field leader.
Milan arrive in Saudi Arabia as Coppa Italia runners-up and current second-place holders in Serie A. Injuries have forced Massimiliano Allegri to lean on youth, with the coach keen to reward strong performances in training. Maximilian Ibrahimovic could feature in either the semifinal or the final should Milan progress.
The Rossoneri face Napoli on Thursday, with Bologna and Inter contesting the other semifinal. The final will be played on Monday.
Momentum is mixed heading into the Supercoppa. Of the four teams involved, only Inter won at the weekend, moving to the top of Serie A with a victory over Genoa. Milan and Napoli both dropped points, while Bologna were beaten at home by Juventus.
Milan were held to a 2-2 draw by Sassuolo, continuing a worrying pattern against newly promoted sides. They have also failed to beat Cremonese and Pisa this season, results that have slowed their title push.
Despite those slips, Milan remains firmly in the title race. They sit one point behind Inter and one ahead of Napoli, who were beaten away at Udinese. Bologna’s defeat left them trailing the leading pack.
Allegri acknowledged frustration after the Sassuolo draw but stressed the importance of maintaining belief ahead of a knockout competition.
The Supercoppa offers a reset. Milan have already shown they can raise their level against elite opposition, having beaten all of the current top four in Serie A this season, including Napoli.
Thursday’s meeting carries an added edge, with Napoli expected to respond strongly after their weekend loss. Allegri highlighted the influence of Antonio Conte, noting his ability to extract maximum intensity from his teams during difficult moments.
Milan are defending Supercoppa champions, having beaten Inter in last season’s final to end the Nerazzurri’s three-year hold on the trophy. Napoli have lifted the competition twice, while Bologna have never won it.
For Maximilian Ibrahimovic, the tournament represents a potential first chapter in a familiar Milan story. For the club, it is a chance to defend a trophy, steady a stuttering campaign, and possibly see a famous name back on the winners’ podium, this time worn by the next generation.