AC Milan secured three decisive points against Lazio at Stadio Olimpico on Friday evening. Noah Okafor was the big hero for the Rossoneri with a late winner, with everyone onboard Noah’s Ark, as a newspaper puts it.
As highlighted by today’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport (see photo below), Okafor invited his teammates onto the ark and brought them to salvation. It was a crucial win after three games without one, not to mention the words of Gerry Cardinale in recent days.
Okafor certainly has a taste for late goals, also scoring the 3-2 winner against Udinese right by the Curva Sud, and he’s a great resource for Stefano Pioli. As the newspaper continues, Milan are happy as the quality of their depth is clear: they have 13 goals off the bench, more than any other team in the top five European Leagues.
In the reverse fixture against Lazio, Okafor also came off the bench and scored a goal, then sealing the deal with a 2-0 strike. Yesterday’s goal was arguably the most important one from the Swiss international, as Lazio truly were Milan’s litmus test.
The Rossoneri have had some wonderful performances at the Olimpico against Lazio, but they have also had some really poor ones (3-0 in 2021, 4-0 in 2023). And even though Milan didn’t play that well yesterday, they at least managed to keep a clean sheet and snatched the win as well.
Okafor, meanwhile, will be hoping that this is the start of something new after a season with too many injury struggles. Milan are convinced that he could be an important player, as the newspaper concludes, but now it’s up to the player to shine. And he has a great goal to build on.
I reckon we must try a game where he replaces Giroud as the lone striker up front. He offers a completely different dynamic. Far more mobile and definitely has pace, aggression and intensity. Definitely HUNGRY and a far better option than Jovic.
Forget about him trying to replace Leao as LW, it’s time for him to fight Giroud.
100%, I’ve said this for some time. I think there could be an element of Thierry Henry about him. The lad knows where the goal is. If we want to rotate Leao Then put Pulisic left and Chukwueze on the right. With a bit of time and effort I genuinely think Okafor could be the striker we need.
It’s bonkers we haven’t tried it more
Naah, Okafor can’t handle it. He’s not a #9 and he needs a partner upfront (Giroud).
Peolle said the same about Wenger moving Henry to striker and Carlo putting Pirlo as deep lying playmaker….he’s got the eye for goal and box awareness