Former AC Milan striker Hernan Crespo has backed Olivier Giroud to be decisive in the Scudetto race but also urged Rafael Leao to ‘wake up’.
Milan will be looking to bounce back with a win after the 3-0 loss to Inter in the Coppa Italia, but they face a Lazio side who are still looking for wins to finish as high as possible. The Rossoneri failed to seal their spot in the cup final as the Nerazzurri not only ended the run of clean sheets for the Rossoneri, but potentially stole some momentum in the title race too given they beat Roma 3-1 last night.
Crespo gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport on the day of the match between two of his former clubs, and he began by looking ahead to tonight’s game at the Stadio Olimpico.
“I expect a spectacular match, Sarri’s teams love to play football, but Milan are no less. I think they are managing to do it. Lately the Rossoneri in attack have not been very precise, but a great defense has helped them stay in the running,” he said (via PianetaMilan).
“Of course, Inter are very strong, compact and concrete. More equipped, and they proved it against Mourinho’s Roma. The negative effect of the derby lost in the league vanished with the victory at Juve, but Milan can and must still believe in success.”
Giroud hasn’t scored since netting the winner at the Maradona against Napoli and Rafael Leao is back to being a bit inconsistent, but Crespo knows that both have the quality to win any game.
“Giroud is a top player, a specialist in scoring in key moments. Maybe he doesn’t score mountains of goals, but it’s as if he knows how to choose the right moments to score. Let’s not forget that it was he who kept the title race alive, with his brace against Inter. That evening he knocked out Inzaghi’s team, which has now recovered, but Milan must not give up the fight.
“Leao has great potential but has to wake up, and Ibra is returning. On the other hand, Lazio have to score points if they want to win a place in Europe. The loss for Roma is good for morale.”
