AC Milan head coach Sergio Conceição is battling a severe bout of influenza as he faces a race against time to be on the sidelines for the Supercoppa Italiana semi-final against Juventus tonight at 20:00 in Riyadh.
The 50-year-old Portuguese manager, appointed earlier this week, has been suffering from a high fever of 39°C, which he disclosed during a press conference. While Conceição remains determined to lead the team, Milan has prepared contingency plans should he be unable to fulfil his duties. Assistant coaches João Costa and Siramana Dembélé are on standby to take charge in his absence.
This health setback comes at a crucial juncture for Milan, who are keen to make an immediate impact under their new manager following the departure of Paulo Fonseca. The highly anticipated clash with Juventus also holds a personal element for Conceição, as his son Francisco is part of the Bianconeri squad.
The club and its supporters are hopeful for Conceição’s swift recovery, to begin his tenure on a positive note and advance to the Supercoppa Italiana final.
