Olivier Giroud’s goal against Napoli cemented his reputation as being a big game player but it was not enough to earn his side a share of the spoils.
Tuttosport (via MilanNews) documents the problems that Stefano Pioli had heading into the game given that Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ante Rebic and Divock Origi were all out due to injury, while Rafael Leao was out suspended after getting a red card against Sampdoria.
That meant Giroud played his seventh straight game as a starter across all competitions, further reinforcing his status as the leader of the attacking department and the one constant, and he scored his fourth goal in Serie A with a first-time finish from Theo Hernandez’s feed.
However, this time his goal did not bring points to Milan and it is the first time that the Diavolo have not won when the former Chelsea man scored. Nonetheless, it was a great performance both on a technical level and in attitude.
The international break now arrives, and though Giroud has been called up by France it is likely that he will still be able to get some rest after what has been a very demanding period physically and mentally.
Are you kidding, stepped up? more like a let down, he missed a clear chance to put Milan ahead.