AC Milan captain Davide Calabria has issued a public apology for his heated altercation with head coach Sergio Conceicao following their dramatic 3-2 victory over Parma on Sunday in Serie A’s Round 22.
The incident occurred after Calabria, who was substituted in the 77th minute, engaged in a tense argument with Conceicao on the sidelines. The exchange nearly escalated into a physical confrontation before teammates intervened. Calabria later described the situation as a misunderstanding fueled by the high emotions of the match.
Calabria: “I Apologize for What Happened”
Speaking to Milan News after the game, Calabria sought to downplay the incident:
“These things happen on the pitch. It was just a misunderstanding between us, and we resolved it after the match. The adrenaline was running high during the game, and it led to a moment of miscommunication. This isn’t the first time something like this has happened in football, and it won’t be the last.”
The captain concluded with an apology:
“I apologize for what happened because it wasn’t a pleasant sight. The most important thing is that the team won and turned the game around.”
Conceicao: “Sometimes You Have to Discipline Children When They Misbehave”
Conceicao, however, was more forthright in addressing the incident. Speaking to Football Italia, the Portuguese coach emphasized the importance of maintaining discipline:
“Adrenaline levels can run high during matches, and passion and emotion take over, which I see as a positive thing.”
He added:
“There’s no problem with what happened because it stays within the match context. Just like with children when they make mistakes, you have to act and discipline them. I’m clear with my players, and they know we’re building bonds and creating the spirit that showed itself at the end of the game.”
A Dramatic Comeback Victory
Milan were trailing 2-1 heading into stoppage time before Tijjani Reijnders equalized in the 92nd minute. Samuel Chukwueze then completed the turnaround with a last-gasp winner, securing a vital three points for the Rossoneri.
The victory lifts Milan to 34 points, placing them sixth in the Serie A standings, while Parma remains on 27 points in ninth place. Despite the post-match tension, Milan’s fighting spirit on the pitch was the main takeaway from an eventful evening at San Siro.
