Olivier Giroud’s special debut in Milan’s derby

DBasia.news – AC Milan’s victory over Inter Milan in the continued 2021-2022 Serie A has a special meaning for Olivier Giroud. The 35-year-old forward marked his Derby della Madonnina debut in a special way.

The match, which took place at the Giuseppe Meazza, Sunday (6/2) was indeed the first opportunity for Giroud to feel the heat of the Milan derby. At the first meeting last November, he was forced to miss it due to injury.

Milan coach Stefano Pioli fielded Giroud as a starter in this match. The former Chelsea striker answered by scoring all the Rossoneri’s goals in a match that ended 2-1.

Giroud had disappeared throughout the first half. In that period Milan was more pressed and had to concede through Ivan Perisic’s shot.

But Milan appeared much better after halftime. Giroud became the inspiration for the revival of Il Diavolo Rosso by scoring two goals in just three minutes.

According to Opta’s records, Giroud became the first French player to score two goals against Inter in a single game in Serie A. His contribution also made Milan record their first comeback since 2004 on the Derby della Madonnina stage.

“As I said before the game, it’s a special game because you won the derby. We struggled in the first half, but after a 45-minute break we got back into the game,” Giroud told DAZN.

“The first goal was a bit of luck, but the second was a good pass by Calabria. I’m so happy for the fans and I’m proud of this team that never gives up.”

A slick performance against Inter has made Giroud praised. One of them came from Pioli.

“Signing in Giroud and other players who know what it means to win and what you need to win increases the level of maturity, experience and knowledge. This is an important lesson that young players learn every day,” Pioli stated.

The sharpness shown by Giroud allowed Pioli to forget for a moment the absence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. His experience and goals will certainly determine the fate of Milan and the title race at the end of the season.