GIROUD HEADS ROSSONERI TO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
Serie A
He'd never scored against Juventus before but chose the perfect moment to do it for the first time. The big man for the big occasion, Olivier Giroud, stepped up to score the winner at the Stadium as the Rossoneri booked their ticket to next season's Champions League. In a hard-fought game with plenty of errors on either side, it was Oli G who wrapped it up just before half time, heading home from Calabria's inch-perfect ball in. The Rossoneri were elated after the final whistle as they qualified with one matchday to spare, completing a league double over the Bianconeri this season in the process.
It felt very much like an end-of-season encounter; both sides looked lethargic and, as stated above, committed many mistakes. AC Milan capitalised in one of their chances created and then didn't break a sweat in the second half, managing the game well. We will play in the Champions League for the third straight season, a big achievement for everyone involved after such a long and challenging season. We go again, ready to get back to the biggest stage. Up next, the Rossoneri host Hellas Verona at San Siro in the final game of the season. Well done, boys, and thank you!
CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM JUVENTUS v AC MILAN
MATCH REPORT
The Rossoneri were the livelier of the two teams in the opening stages of the game. Our first real chance came after nine minutes when Krunić headed just wide at the near post, from Tonali’s corner in. Messias stung the hands of Szczęsny on 12 minutes with a left-footed attempt, before Cuadrado kept Maignan alert two minutes later with a similar attempt. Two quick chances came for Juventus on the 24th and 25th minutes: first, Di María, who ended up slipping over, sent one high over the bar from Kean’s good work, and then Chiesa linked up well with Locatelli before hitting hard at goal from a tight angle, that flew well over. On 40 minutes, we took lead through some brilliance from Giroud, who rose highest to expertly head home Calabria’s cross into the far post. It was a well and truly classy finish.
After the break, Juventus pushed forward but AC Milan contained them well and looked dangerous on the break: after 58 minutes, a cross into the box, from one of few attacking surges by Theo in the game, saw Oli G just beaten to the ball at the last second. Another big chance came for the away side on 71 minutes when Giroud orchestrated a counter-attack, drawing in the defender before laying off for Saelemaekers, who controlled well but shot straight at Szczęsny. A few minutes later and it was Leão this time who, on the break, strode past Gatti before firing over. The Bianconeri tried to forced some pressure in the final minutes but failed to create anything of note, leaving AC Milan to take home the three points from the Allianz Stadium.
MATCH DETAILS
JUVENTUS 0-1 AC MILAN
JUVENTUS (3-4-3): Szczęsny; Gatti, Bremer (82' Bonucci), Danilo; Cuadrado, Locatelli, Rabiot, Kostić (63' Paredes); Di María (63' Milik), Kean (73' Iling-Junior), Chiesa. Subs.: Perin, Pinsoglio; Alex Sandro, Barbieri, Bonucci, Rugani; Miretti, Sersanti. Coach: Allegri.
AC MILAN (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Calabria (86' Kalulu), Thiaw, Tomori, Hernández; Tonali, Krunić; Messias (56' Saelemaekers), Díaz (82' Pobega), Leão (82' Ballo-Touré); Giroud (86' Origi). Subs.: Mirante, Tătăruşanu; Florenzi, Gabbia, Kjær; Adli, Pobega, Vranckx; De Ketelaere. Coach: Pioli.
Referee: Mariani from Aprilia.
Goal: 40' Giroud (M).
Booked: 34' Messias (M), 56' Cuadrado (J), 64' Krunić (M).
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