AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud believes that the team ‘could have scored more goals’ but was still satisfied after the 4-0 victory against Dinamo Zagreb tonight.
The Rossoneri went into the game in the Croatian capital knowing that a win was needed to set up a favourable situation heading into the final group stage game and they took advantage of Red Bull Salzburg’s loss against Chelsea earlier in the evening, winning comfortable at the Stadion Maksimir.
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The scoring was opened through Matteo Gabbia’s header not long before the break and things ran away from Dinamo in the second half as Rafael Leao scored after a solo run, Giroud tucked a penalty away and an own-goal made it four.
Giroud spoke to Sky Italia after the game to reflect on what was a fine night and a ruthless performance, with his comments relayed by MilanNews.
“Great victory. We prepared this match well. We wanted to start strong with a great desire to press well and to be effective in front. We could have scored more goals, but we are very happy with this result,” he said.
Can this match change the minds of many?
“Yes, it was the right time to play this kind of match, showing our quality and our determination to go to the second round.”
You were engaged in a good duel with Livakovic…
“He knows me well. He played a great game. Without him we could have scored 7-8 goals… I tried to score a brace until the end, but I’m happy for the penalty. I needed this goal for confidence. I’m fine and I’m happy for the team. ”
Any advice to De Ketelaere?
“This type of match was very important and the young players responded well.”
Giroud alone made 5-6 goal attempts on target. It wasn’t his night, unfortunately. But his positioning and instincts are on another level.
Probably he was confused that he got so many assists.
Giroud had a bad night. On a typical night he would have bagged 3-4. But he wasn’t the only one wasting chances. E.g. Krunic REALLY should have scored from the brilliant Rebic pass.
Giroud was magnificent last night and just look at his stats ,shots all on target ..He scored a goal from the penalty spot …He would have scored more than the one goal had a not been for the Zagreb goalkeeper one of his saves was superb ..Lovely to see Olivier back in the team ,alongside the also very impressive rafael Leao …who also scored …love to see them playing alongside each other…Man of the match tonali .What a team we have with a great tactician and the manager pioli .