Olivier Giroud was at the centre of a magical moment in football when he donned the goalkeeper gloves and surprised everyone in Milan’s 1-0 win over Genoa.
The 37-year-old Frenchman came off the bench in the 66th minute in place of Yacine Adli and was quickly thrust into the limelight after he bravely offered to go in goal following a 98th minute red card for Mike Maignan.
Rising to the challenge, Giroud defied the odds when he made a crucial save in the dying seconds of the match to ensure the Rossoneri ran away from Liguria with all three points, putting them top of the Serie A table.
Giroud was widely praised by the Italian press for his work in the win, with La Gazzetta dello Sport underlining their surprise at his decisive contribution, writing: “It was written online yesterday: ‘It seems that by 2040 some will live on the moon’. Anyway, more credible than a goalkeeper Giroud, decisive at the end, but then…”
Corriere dello Sport were equally amused and amazed by the Frenchman’s work, praising his bravery and ability to protect the goal, commenting: “He went in goal at the end and saved in the final moment. Incredible.”
Giroud’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 7.5
Corriere dello Sport: 7
Tuttosport: 7.5