AC Milan wins first Serie A title in 11 years after final-day victory at Sassuolo
SASSUOLO, Italy-AC Milan clinched their first Italian Serie A title in 11 years after winning 3-0 on the final day at Sassuolo on Sunday, with a brace from Olivier Giroud and one from Franck Kessie to claim the title. Scudetto.
Stefano Pioli’s side entered the final round knowing that one point would be enough for them to take the lead against rivals Inter Milan but after Giroud put the ball into the home net in the 17th minute, their 19th Serie A title never ended. now suspected.
France’s Giroud scored his second home goal in the 32nd minute after a superb work by Rafael Leao to put Pioli’s men on track for the title, without regard for Inter’s return. like on their joint San Siro stadium.
There was no recovery from Milan when Kessie scored the third goal four minutes later to put the game, and title race, to bed before halftime.
After the break, it was party time in Emilia-Romagna, with thousands of Milan fans, who had bought tickets clearly among the home supporters, celebrating throughout the inning as their team never there is any danger of being locked in.
The final whistle sounded with rapturous celebrations from the club that had waited so long to get the Scudetto for a piece of their greatness, as they finished with two points above Inter, the winning team. at home against Sampdoria was in vain.
“I don’t remember the last time we lost a game,” Pioli told DAZN. “We deserved this Scudetto because we were more consistent and we won tough games, came from behind in a derby and won twice in Rome.
“My bosses have given me special confidence; if you reach this level, it’s because each member gave their best. ”
Milan did not show any nervousness early on as they put the match against Sassuolo in the middle of the table.
Fikayo Tomori saw his header miss the post and Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot was saved well even before Brazil’s high form Leao broke through from the left and squared off to Giroud. shot in front of him.
The second goal was about Leao’s tenacity and versatility, who once again overcame many challenges before squaring Giroud’s 11th Serie A goal of the season.
Kessie, who according to widespread reports in Italy is playing his last game for Milan before joining Barcelona for the upcoming season, then kicks home a comfortable third to get the job done.
Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic thought he had icing on the cake with his fourth coming on from the bench late, but the Swede’s header was ruled out for offside.
It didn’t matter much, with celebrations already in full swing. Even Pioli himself, who after 19 years as a coach finally won his first senior trophy, joined supporters singing “Pioli’s on fire” in the final few minutes.
Enthusiastic Milan supporters swarmed the pitch as the game ended, embracing the players and staff at every opportunity, with their wait for another league title finally coming to an end.
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