Olivier Giroud opened up the Serie A title race as his brace helped AC Milan overcome Inter Milan in the Derbi di Milano.
Inter Milan had a glorious chance to push AC Milan further away from their title dreams and open up a seven-point gap with a win in the Derbi di Milano. After Ivan Perisic had given them a first half-lead, the home team looked set for all three points until a certain Frenchman decided to show up.
If AC Milan wins the Serie A title from hereon, Olivier Giroud will be remembered for his game-changing performance in the derby. The Frenchman’s brace was single-handedly responsible for opening up a brilliant title race, as he downed Inter Milan and got his team to within a point of the Serie A leaders.
Hakan Calhanoglu was again the villain for his former club as he set up Perisic for the opener in the first half. The goal reflected Inter Milan’s dominant display in the period and was well deserved. Milan, however, came out improved after the break as the likes of Ismael Benaccer and Sandro Tonali went about dominating and dictating play.
Giroud then sprung to life and scored a brace in the space of three minutes to turn the game on its head. The Frenchman’s strikes eventually earned Milan all three points and closed the gap to their rivals at the top of the table.
Here’s how the players from both teams fared as AC Milan beat Inter Milan in the latest Derbi di Milano.
Inter Milan
Samir Handanovic – 5/10
After a comfortable 70 odd minutes without being threatened much, Handanovic was in for a shock. He could not get close to Giroud’s well-struck efforts in the space of three minutes that saw the game being turned on its head.
Milan Skriniar – 5/10
A competitive display from the centre-back who barely put a foot wrong. Skriniar will be disappointed with his team’s effort in the end as they conceded two goals in quick succession.
Stefan de Vrij – 4.5/10
He was turned too easily by Giroud for a goal, which spoiled his hard work throughout the game. De Vrij was otherwise effective in marshalling the defence and will be disappointed by the outcome.
Alessandro Bastoni – 8/10
Bastoni is slowly growing into the leader of this Inter Milan defence. Some of his last-ditch challenges were a joy to watch early in the game, and he was by far the most consistent performer at the back.
Denzel Dumfries – 8/10
Dumfries proved to be a solid attacking outlet from the right flank, as he caused Theo Hernandez all sorts of problems. His constant entries into the box made the Milan defence nervous, while he could have scored a goal as well.
Nicolo Barella – 5.5/10
Barella enjoyed a good first period against the Rossoneri, constantly feeding Dumfries with the ammunition on the right side. In the second period, he was somewhat dull as the Milan midfielders took control of the area.
Marcelo Brozovic – 6/10
Brozovic screened the defence using all his expertise while positively influencing the game from his position in the middle of the park. It is vital for Inter to renew his deal and keep him at the club.
Hakan Calhanoglu – 6.5/10
Most assists provided in Serie A so far this season:
◎ 9 – Domenic Berardi
◎ 8 – Sergej Milinković-Savić
◉ 8 – Hakan ÇalhanoğluHakan making an impact against his former club again. ? pic.twitter.com/NEGen9w3IU
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 5, 2022
Calhanoglu was again a thorn in the side for his former club, as he set up Perisic’s goal. Provided the creative impetus going forward and seems to be maturing in his role at Inter Milan.
Ivan Perisic – 7.5/10
A solid attacking outlet from the left-hand side, as his movement constantly caused all sorts of problems to the AC Milan defence. He scored the opener from Calhanoglu’s corner, which turned out to be Inter’s only strike in the match.
Lautaro Martinez – 6.5/10
Martinez was brimming with creativity and industry, as he worked hard to bring others into play. His movement caused some problems to the opposition backline, although he will be disappointed to lose the game in the end.
Edin Dzeko – 5/10
Dzeko did not have the most effective game, despite displaying some neat link-up play throughout the match.
Substitutes
Federico Dimarco – N/A
Inzaghi wanted to change the game a bit after conceding the goals, although the introduction of Dimarco did nothing to help towards that cause.
Alexis Sanchez – 4/10
Like Dimarco, Sanchez could not help change the outcome of the final score.
Arturo Vidal – 4/10
There was a pressing need to contain the damage, and Vidal did a decent job at managing that objective.
Matias Vecino – N/A
Not much of an impact after coming on.
Matteo Darmian – N/A
Did little of note after coming on to the pitch.
AC Milan
Mike Maignan – 7/10
Some of the saves he made proved crucial in the end considering the final score. His efforts might have saved Milan a few times, especially in the first period. Maignan’s save to stop Dumfries’ effort was a key moment.
Davide Calabria – 5.5/10
Calabria found it hard at times when coming up against the dangerous Perisic. But he did manage to cope fairly well in the overall sense, playing his part in the victory.
Pierre Kalulu – 6/10
Kalulu handled the pressure from Inter Milan, especially in the first half, as he impressed once more in the absence of first-choice options Fikayo Tomori and Simon Kjaer.
Alessio Romagnoli – 4/10
After receiving an early booking, Romagnoli could not impose himself quite as much as he would have wanted to and was largely subdued for most of the game.
Theo Hernandez – 3/10
It was a terrible game for Hernandez, who struggled at the back. He was rattled throughout by Dumfries and his runs into the final third. He also looked weak when defending crosses from his side.
Sandro Tonali – 8/10
A superb display from the Italian who gained control of the midfield and never let it slip. Some of his driving runs caught the eye, and he would be pleased by the outcome.
Ismael Bennacer – 5/10
Bennacer did not have the best of games, as he looked off the pace and failed to match the intensity of the midfield battles. He was not entirely convincing in his defensive duties while being dodgy when in possession.
Franck Kessie – 3/10
A terrible performance in the No. 10 position, as Kessie failed to understand his new role in the side. While Milan may have got away with a win, Stefano Pioli will be better off bringing Brahim Diaz into the position once more.
Alexis Saelemaekers – 2/10
Something was missing from Saelemaekers’ game as he was nowhere near his hardworking self. He was hooked off at the break, which was very much deserved.
Olivier Giroud – 9/10
Giroud had an awfully quiet 70 minutes until he came up with the two most crucial moments in the game. His quickfire brace helped Milan clinch victory and get to within one point of Inter on the Serie A table. The title race is truly on.
Olivier Giroud's game by numbers vs. Inter:
100% shooting accuracy
29 touches
4 aerial duels won (most)
2 shots
2 shots on target
2 clearances
2 fouls won
2 goals
1 tackleBrilliant performance pic.twitter.com/1AAaSvSAhY
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 5, 2022
Rafael Leao – 5/10
He was the man in form for Milan heading into the game. But against Inter, he struggled to get into the contest, and was largely peripheral, failing to create any danger.
Substitutes
Junior Messias – 4/10
He came on in the second half for Saelemaekers, and while he was better in many aspects, there were no impactful moments from the forward.
Brahim Diaz – 8/10
His arrival instantly sparked a creative renaissance in the side, as proved by his assist for Giroud’s leveller. He should replace Kessie from here on.
Rade Krunic – N/A
Not much impact in the game to get a rating.
