Olivier Giroud celebrates after scoring against Spezia.
To say Saturday night was an eventful one for Olivier Giroud might be an understatement.
The striker was left out of AC Milan’s starting XI for the clash with Spezia, but his presence would leave an indelible mark on the game after he was introduced in the 72nd minute.
Before he came onto the field, compatriot Theo Hernández had opened the scoring, only to see Daniel Maldini – on loan from the Rossoneri and son of club legend Paolo – net Spezia’s first away goal of the season.
Sandro Tonali then saw a spectacular right-footed effort ruled out for a foul in the build up, and the stalemate would eventually see Stefano Pioli turn to his bench and send Giroud into the fray.
Just over 10 minutes later, a minor scuffle saw the Frenchman given a yellow card, joined in the referees book by Hernández and Spezia striker M’Bala Nzola.
Then, in the final minute, a brilliant cross from Tonali picked out Giroud, who connected with a stunning volley that would deliver a hard fought victory for the reigning Serie A champions.
The scorer celebrated wildly, so overjoyed that he tore off his shirt and received a second yellow card, meaning he will be suspended for the midweek trip to face Cremonese.
“It was a good goal and a fine pass from Sandro, we wanted to win this match, we were fired up to the end,” Giroud said in an interview with Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle. “The most important thing is that tomorrow we have an extra three points, but I am a bit angry because I am suspended.
“I’ll feel better in an hour or so. I was furious with myself, but I tried to shut up. I did my job, I put the ball in the back of the net. Football is like that, with the adrenaline and joy of giving victory to my team, after a difficult game, in my head I am still a little kid! I had to celebrate.”
The goal continued a fantastic run of form from the 36-year-old, weighing in with four goals and two assists in his last four appearances. That he has done so in just 201 minutes of playing time over those matches makes it even more impressive, a feat which underlines just how effective he has been all season long.
His overall record stands at 16 goals and five assists in just 29 appearances for club and country, prompting Milan to step up discussions over extending Giroud’s current contract which expires in June next year.
That comes as no surprise after the former Arsenal and Chelsea striker developed the habit of netting in crucial moments, including vital goals against AS Roma, Lazio, Napoli and Inter.
Indeed, Giroud’s two-goal display in the Milan Derby was seen by many as the result which sparked his side’s title run, and another brace against Sassuolo mathematically sealed that Scudetto.
Delivering Milan’s first Serie A crown in 11 years saw him become a hero to supporters on the Curva Sud, a remarkable feat for a player signed by the club for just €1 million ($990,000) back in July 2021.
Meanwhile, Giroud’s form has also seen him remain in contention for a place in the France squad for the upcoming World Cup, with boss Didier Deschamps unable to overlook his undeniable impact.
Looking back to the 2018 edition of the World Cup in Russia, Giroud started six of France’s seven matches and although he failed to get on the scoresheet, he still played an effective role in the team, holding up the ball before bringing Antoine Griezmann and Kylian Mbappé into play.
Furthering his case is Giroud’s newfound ability to impact games from the bench, meaning if Deschamps opts to start Karim Benzema as his first-choice striker, he can do so knowing he has an alternative to turn to should the team need a spark.
Saturday night was certainly eventful, but it was also simply another reminder of just how effective Olivier Giroud remains for club and country. Not that Didier Deschamps or Stefano Pioli needed one.
Adam Digby, Contributor
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