While waiting for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to return from injury, Olivier Giroud and Divock Origi will battle it out for the role of starting centre-forward.
Of course the fact that the Rossoneri will play every few days up until the break for the World Cup in Qatar means it is unlikely there will be a single and fixed starter, but having the Belgian and the Frenchman will allow Pioli to alternate according to the various needs.
MilanNews writes how Giroud and Origi are two distinctly different strikers. The former is more known for his knack of being in the right place at the right time, while the latter has played all along the frontline and is used to an explosive pressing system.
Both have a winning mentality though, revealed first by Giroud: “To believe in it always means also in the future. I think if you don’t believe you can’t reach your goals. It is a basic thing but very true. This year will be even more difficult but we are ready to fight for the Scudetto and the second star.”
Origi echoed this: “I want to be important and decisive for the team. I am focused on the path and continuity: I want to be consistent in every match, in every training session, I want to share many sensations with the fans.”
The internal challenge will be to be the top scorer next season, but there will also be a battle with Inter and Juventus (and possibly others) for the Scudetto. Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara will give Pioli more reinforcements, but the importance of bringing in another striker of international reputation is a great start.
