Olivier Giroud was lauded by the Italian media following his strong performance in Milan’s 2-1 derby comeback over Inter, but the same could not be said for Franck Kessie.
The 35-year-old French forward scored in the 75th and 78th minutes to secure the three points for the Rossoneri, leaving the Nerazzurri with a bitter taste in their mouth as they fell to a surprise comeback. In comparison, the Ivorian midfielder struggled to make a big impression in the match.
The two goals were Giroud’s 6th and 7th league goals this campaign, with the former Arsenal and Chelsea man finally starting to find his footing in Milan.
La Gazzetta dello Sport were very impressed by “the old fashioned centre forward”, calling him the “hero of the evening” for his brace. Corriere dello Sport noted that Giroud “confirmed his relentlessness” in the derby, feeling that he “solved a match that had gone badly wrong for Milan”. Finally, Corriere dello Sport highlighted how the Frenchman “turns the derby and (perhaps) the league upside down” with his brace.
Kessie was noted by the Italian media for failing to make a strong impact in the match, looking visibly fatigued from his Africa Cup of Nations commitments last month.
Giroud’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 8
Tuttosport: 8
Corriere dello Sport: 8
Kessie’s ratings in the Italian newspapers:
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 4
Tuttosport: 4.5
Corriere dello Sport: 5
Giroud took his goals exceptionally well. The second one was extraordinary against de Vrij even though Handanovic could’ve done better.
Regarding Kessié though, he was tired yes, but I think it’s better if he stays on the bench mostly from now on. He’s saving himself from injuries, since an injury could scupper any agreements he might have with his next club. Let’s continue with the Tonali-Bennacer duo who did very well, and let’s pray Diaz continues to find form. Kessié can play the occasional match until we say au revoir over the summer.
@Milan Fan
Agreed
Just goes to show, Diaz was right there all along and should have started. He took the game up a level when he got the ball.
Kessie for me can go to the stands for the rest of the season. Not only for this game, his entire season has been awful. I don’t want to remember how he destroyed the first Atletico match, with an amateur mistake. A complete idiot