With an outstanding headed finish, Olivier Giroud confirmed a top-four finish for Milan in a 1-0 victory over Juventus. In the first half, Milan were easily second-best, but Davide Calabria changed the course of the match with a well-struck cross. Several of Milan’s starters were in poor form, but the Rossoneri ultimately overcame their struggles and booked a spot in the Champions League for next season.
Mike Maignan – 7
The Bianconeri really should have scored several times in the first half, but the hosts’ finishing let them down. However, Maignan also played a key role, keeping Juventus off the board even as they cut through the Milan backline like butter.
Fikayo Tomori – 6
During the first 30 minutes of the match, Tomori had one of his worst performances in recent memory. The defender’s one-on-one defending was horrific, as he was slow to close down Moise Kean and struggled to win challenges. However, after his poor start, he improved markedly, blocking multiple dangerous shots in the box.
Malick Thiaw – 5.5
While Thiaw did not make as many errors as Tomori, he was not aggressive or physical enough from his position on the backline.
Davide Calabria – 8
Even as it seemed that Juventus were set to dominate the match, Milan’s captain created a brilliant opening goal. From outside the box, Calabria whipped in a wonderful cross, which found its mark as Giroud headed it home.
Theo Hernandez – 6.5
As Tomori struggled in the opening minutes, Hernandez was there to pick up the slack. Several times, he won back possession in the box, and his distribution was solid as usual.
Rade Krunic – 7
In the first half, Krunic made one nightmarish turnover that Juventus really should have converted. However, the chance passed without impacting the scoreline, and the Bosnian’s defensive work was otherwise top-notch.
Sandro Tonali – 6
Tonali made an obvious effort to play higher up the pitch when Milan was in possession. The box-to-box-esque positioning did not seem to suit the midfielder, but it was an interesting look nonetheless.
Brahim Diaz – 5
It was another match where Diaz simply could not put together a consistent performance. He got onto the ball enough, but Juventus dispossessed the midfielder far too easily. With Real Madrid reportedly demanding a significant fee for the Spaniard, Milan should easily decide to let the Brahim walk.
Rafael Leao – 5.5
While Leao did not receive consistent service from his teammates, the winger also did not do much to find the ball. Instead of influencing proceedings with pace and creativity, Leao’s performance was uncharacteristically quiet.
Junior Messias – 7
From his position on the right wing, Messias was one of the few Milan players actually creating chances. At times, his service lacked precision, but the Brazilian retained possession exceptionally well in the final third.
Olivier Giroud – 7.5
Like Leao, Giroud suffered from a lack of service from his teammates. However, the striker did not need many touches to make an impact, as he scored an exquisite header late in the first half, giving Milan an unexpected 1-0 lead.
Olivier Giroud has scored his 12th goal in Serie A, his MOST for AC Milan in a single season. ?⚫️
This is his highest goal tally since 2016/17 where he scored 12 with Arsenal.
Fine wine ? pic.twitter.com/SaEs3F5x79
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 28, 2023
Substitutes
Alexis Saelemaekers – 5.5
Somewhat surprisingly, Saelemaekers replaced Messias at halftime. The winger did not exactly improve play in the channel, but he nearly netted a game-clinching goal.