A heated confrontation between AC Milan coach Sergio Conceicao and defender Davide Calabria marred the team’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory against Parma at San Siro. The incident, which nearly escalated into a physical altercation, occurred during the post-match celebrations and has become the talk of Italian football.
Gazzetta dello Sport report that as Milan players were reveling in their last-gasp win, having turned a 1-2 deficit into a 3-2 triumph in stoppage time, Conceicao was seen rushing onto the field, visibly agitated and heading straight for Calabria. The coach’s staff had to intervene to prevent a physical confrontation, as Conceicao spoke heatedly while Calabria responded in kind.
The roots of the dispute appear to stem from multiple issues. Conceicao later commented on “a game situation” he had discussed with Calabria, suggesting there were “a few words too many” exchanged. However, the tension seems to have been building throughout the match. Calabria had shown his frustration earlier when substituted, throwing a water bottle which Conceicao picked up, and venting his displeasure on the bench.
Adding to the controversy, it emerged that Calabria, along with teammates Theo Hernandez, Camarda, and Loftus-Cheek, had attended a concert by rapper Lazza in Milan just a day and a half before the match. This outing reportedly did not sit well with Conceicao, known for his strict disciplinary approach.
The incident highlights the growing pains in Conceicao’s tenure at Milan. His no-compromise style was evident in his bold decision to substitute both Theo Hernandez and Rafael Leao at halftime. While his methods have yielded results, including this dramatic win, they have also created visible tension within the squad.
