AC Milan Come from Behind, Beat Inter 2-1 in Italian Super Cup

AC Milan are the 2011 champions of the Italian Super Cup.

The annual final between the winner of Serie A and the winner of Coppa Italia made its way back to Beijing this year and played host to a classic derby between Milan and arch-rivals Inter Milan.

Inter were in their seventh consecutive Super Cup, a competition record (Milan's three straight from 1992-94 were the previous record), and looking to win for the fifth time in that span. For Milan, it was their ninth appearance and first since their win in 2004.

Both clubs were close to full strength. Milan started a lineup that we can expect to be typical in 2011-12. The notable absence was projected left fullback Taye Taiwo, who was serving a suspension after actions while still playing at Marseille in France.

Gennaro Gattuso started in the midfield in between defensive mid Mark Van Bommel and trequartista Kevin-Prince Boateng, as Milan still scour the transfer market for a new midfielder.

Inter, coming in as Coppa Italia winners, were without the likes of Douglas Maicon and Lucio, but still fielded a strong side. Joel Obi and Riccardo Alvarez were the youngsters of the team.

Inter had the advantage early on, though Robinho nearly put Milan ahead within 15 minutes. Gian Piero Gasperini's men were the better team throughout the first 45.

After a Gattuso foul which he was lucky not to be sent off for, Wesley Sneijder scored off a free kick. It could prove to be the final goal the Dutchman scores for the Nerazzurri. He has been pursued by both Manchester United and Manchester City this summer with United the favorites, but no action has been taken yet, contrary to some reports in Italy.

Former Inter star Zlatan Ibrahimovic nearly leveled for the Serie A champions, but his header bounced off the post.

Things picked up for Milan in the second half. They controlled most of the possession, bringing the game total back closer to 50-50, and were able put the Inter defense on its back heels.

Ibrahimovic finally got Milan on the scoreboard at the hour mark, putting in a header right in front of goal after Clarence Seedorf pulled Julio Cesar off his line to put the cross in.

Milan continued to apply the pressure. The defense had little to worry about in the second half besides the chippy play that comes with a Derby Della Madonnina. Notably, Thiago Silva was stomped at while on the ground by Thiago Motta, leading to a bit of a scuffle in front of the Milan goal.

Clarence Seedorf was excellent leading the charge through the midfield as Milan continued the attack.

Nine minutes after Ibrahimovic found the net, Kevin-Prince Boateng rebounded off the post to put Milan up for good at 2-1.

Massimiliano Allegri's men held on to win the Super Cup for the first time since 2004.

So there is trophy number one of the 2011-12 season. Milan have it in the bag, but now it gets serious. The main goal this year is the UEFA Champions League, but Milan will be extremely focused in Serie A as they plan on retaining the title.

They have to be especially careful of the regular pests in Italy this year, as there are only three UEFA Champions League places up for grabs after the new UEFA co-efficients were put into effect for this season.

This was a typical battle of two great teams in Milan and Inter. Look for them to make a lot of noise in Italy and Europe this year.