AC Milan ensured they will have their fate firmly in their own hands in the Champions League group stages after a 4-0 win over Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
There was a memorable moment for Matteo Gabbia as he got his first senior goal with a header to make it 1-0 before the break, then Rafael Leao and Olivier Giroud netted to make it 3-0 before an own-goal completed the scoring.
The Italian newspapers have been highly complimentary of what was a very professional performance, and below are the front pages…
Gazzetta dello Sport: “Milan boom. Rossoneri like the good old days. Fantastic 4-0 in Zagreb. Tonali and Leao leaders, a draw is enough against Salzburg on November 2 to reach knockouts.”
Corriere dello Sport: “Milan symphony, 4-0 in Zagreb: now a point will be enough. Diavolo take flight.”
Tuttosport: “Milan and Leao show, it’s almost done! Goalfest in Zagreb opened by Gabbia and completed by a Giroud penalty and own goal.”
Milan have had a good start to the season, albeit eclipsed by Napoli’s amazing start. If they can qualify in the CL, stay competitive with Napoli and renew Leao before Christmas, they will be in an excellent position for 2023. A couple of ambitious acquisitions in January and who knows….