Conceicao brings good vibes back to AC Milan after Super Cup triumph

Sergio Conceicao has brought back the feel-good factor to AC Milan as the seven-time European champions host Cagliari on Saturday still on a high from a dramatic Italian Super Cup triumph over local rivals and Serie A kings Inter Milan.

Little has gone right for Milan this season, with supporters demanding American owners RedBird sell the club as inconsistent performances and results left one of Italy’s footballing giants miles off the title pace.

But the manner with which Conceicao has started his San Siro reign, replacing compatriot Paulo Fonseca just as Milan set off for Saudi Arabia and commandeering his new team to two fine wins over Juventus and Inter, has completely changed the atmosphere around the club.

Two goals down a minute into the second half of Monday’s final in Riyadh, few would have back Milan to bounce back against Italian champions Inter.

But Milan showed the sort of courage rarely seen this season to snatch victory deep in stoppage time, just as Conceicao did on his playing debut in Italy in 1998, when the Portuguese scored a last-gasp goal to win the Super Cup for Lazio.

Videos of Conceicao dancing for his players while smoking a chunky cigar in triumph immediately flew around social media and were shared by delighted fans in chat groups, celebrating an unexpected success and goading rivals Interisti who have lorded it over Milan in recent seasons.

“As soon as we got back into the dressing room the players asked me to dance and smoke a cigar because they knew that it’s my ritual when I win a trophy,” said Conceicao.

Combative, charismatic Conceicao fits the profile fans wanted in the summer when they demanded league-leading Napoli boss Antonio Conte and the 50-year-old now has to guide Milan to the