Olivier Giroud was widely praised by the Italian press after playing a crucial role in Milan’s Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain.
The 37-year-old Frenchman was a central figure for the Rossoneri in their 2-1 win over the Parisian giants, laying up Rafael Leao’s acrobatic opener with his shot before finding a goal of his own in the second half to drive Stefano Pioli’s side to victory.
Giroud has continued to be a key man in the Milan squad this season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists across 14 games this term, and his work against PSG was widely appreciated by the Italian press.
La Gazzetta dello Sport noted Giroud’s contributions against PSG, drawing attention to both his goal and ability to work with his teammates, writing: “A champion, he felt the big game and then leapt on Skriniar, even if it wasn’t the derby. The rest? He protected the ball, he played for others.”
Corriere della Sera spoke about the irony that the French striker made the difference against the Parisian giants, commenting: “Vive la France. He, a provincial Frenchman, who knocked out the French from the capital. 37 years and he’s not feeling them.”
Corriere dello Sport discussed Giroud’s impact and his youthful performance, saying: “But how old is Olivier? Surely not 37. He scored the decisive goal and, with that diagonal slam, set the stage for Leao’s goal. He is powerful, he is gritty, and he is technical. An extraordinary night for a Frenchman against the team from his capital city.”
Finally, Tuttosport echoed the sentiments of their counterparts, writing: “A no-holds-barred duel with Skriniar, from one of his shots came the 1-1. And in the second half the specialty of the house, with a suspended header.”
Giroud’s ratings in the Italian newspapers
La Gazzetta dello Sport: 7.5
Corriere dello Sport: 8
Tuttosport: 7
Corriere della Sera: 7.5