📣 Conceição and Motta preview Juventus v Milan in the Supercoppa Italiana | OneFootball

Sérgio Conceição wants to make an excellent first impression on fans in Riyadh for his opening match as AC Milan manager in the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup semi-final versus Juventus.

The Portuguese, who replaced compatriot Paulo Fonseca in charge at the beginning of the week, is in the unique situation of spending his debut competing against son Francisco Conceição, who plays as a winger for Juventus.

However, speaking at the pre-match press conference for the semi-final at Al Awwal Park in Riyadh on Friday at 10pm, Conceição says family feelings will stop for 90 minutes with full focus on reaching Monday’s final.

“We have a huge responsibility which is defending the colours of one of the most historical clubs in football," said the Rossoneri boss.

"We have a strong fan base, not only here but also elsewhere globally and we will do our best to make our supporters happy and proud.

“We have to play aggressively against Juventus. Our goal is to penetrate Juventus’ defence as a complete team, not by relying on individual players.

“Having my son on the opposing team won’t affect me. My goal is clear: to win like I do in any other match. There is no place for feelings on the field.”

The EA Sports FC Supercup is being staged in Saudi Arabia for the fifth time. AC Milan enter the competition as runners up of last season's Serie A, while Juventus are included as Coppa Italia winners. Serie A champions Inter Milan, the current Supercup holders, won Serie A, while Atalanta lost to Juve in May’s Coppa Italia final. Inter play Atalanta at Al Awwal Park on Thursday night.

The growth of football in Saudi Arabia – where some 80% of the population either play, attend, or follow the game – has been noticed across the globe, and Conceição praised the passion for football in the Kingdom.

"There are many Portuguese players and coaches here in Saudi," he added.

"It’s a league that is growing a lot and quickly. We can literally feel the passion for football and the will to grow. Many important players are contributing to this evolution.”

Thiago Motta, the Juventus manager, agreed that on this occasion football will come before family for the Conceição clan.

“Francisco will focus on the game as he always does, either if he’s in the starting 11 or as substitute," said Motta.

"It’s an important game, and this is the only thing that he will do.”

Motta, who won the UEFA Champions League as a player with both Barcelona and Inter Milan and was appointed Juventus manager last summer, also praised the warm welcome received in Riyadh.

“Thank you very much for the hospitality. We are in a very pleasant environment to do our job and give our best," he added.

"We must be able to not let the change in AC Milan leadership influence us. We are ready for everything; we must be the main character.”

Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli also expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he and his team-mates have received in Saudi Arabia.

“It has been great hospitality; we have been hosted in a very pleasant way," said Locatelli.

"Juventus is supported around the world, and this motivates us to win. The Saudi league is developing, it has improved a lot. They invested very well, and it will grow even more internationally.”