Giroud Goal Gives Milan Crucial Win Over Napoli.
AC Milan won a tense match against fellow title contenders Napoli, thanks to a crucial goal by Olivier Giroud, sending the Rossoneri back to the top of Serie A.
The 35-year-old Frenchman’s instinctive finish four minutes after the restart proved decisive and concluded an extraordinary evening for him.
Chances were few in a tight and intense first half that finished goalless, although Milan’s Stefano Pioli would have been the happier of the two managers at the interval if he had more control and possession.
The most talked-about aspect of the first 45 minutes was Giroud’s terrible wound after being caught by Kalidou Koulibaly.
It was uncertain if the Frenchman would be able to play through the pain barrier, but he returned for the second half and made his presence known only four minutes after the break, stretching out a foot to redirect Davide Calabria’s drive into the net, giving Milan a deserved lead.
Giroud was finally forced off after collapsing on his ankle, but his absence did not deter the visitors, who were outstanding in maintaining their small advantage.
As a consequence, Milan has reclaimed first place from Inter, with only two points separating the two giants. Napoli is still third, three points behind the top.