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