AC Milan's Olivier Giroud celebrates his goal during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
ROME, May 28 (Xinhua) -- Seasoned veteran Olivier Giroud reaffirmed his crucial role on Sunday as his decisive header guided AC Milan to a 1-0 victory over Juventus, securing a Champions League spot for the Rossoneri for the upcoming season.
This game was a head-to-head battle for the coveted Champions League place. Milan only required one point to lock in their position, while Juventus, grappling with a 10-point deduction, was desperate for a win to maintain their shot at a top-four finish.
The match's lone goal came in the 40th minute when Davide Calabria whipped in a cross from the right. Giroud rose above Federico Gatti, landing a towering header beyond the reach of an overstretched Wojciech Szczesny.
With one round remaining, AC Milan, along with Napoli, Lazio, and Inter Milan, will participate in the next season's Champions League. Roma, however, could still join them should they triumph over Sevilla in the forthcoming Europa League final.
In other matches, Napoli squandered a 2-0 lead and settled for a 2-2 draw with Bologna. Napoli's Victor Osimhen scored a brace, boosting his season tally to 25 goals, four more than the second-placed Lautaro Martinez.
Also on Sunday, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic's decisive goal propelled Lazio to a 3-2 victory over Cremonese. Lecce ensured safety with a 1-0 away win against Monza, while Hellas Verona and Empoli drew 1-1. ■
AC Milan's Olivier Giroud (R) scores his goal during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
AC Milan's Olivier Giroud (L) celebrates his goal with his teammates during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
AC Milan's Rade Krunic (L) vies with FC Juventus' Adrien Rabiot during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
AC Milan's Rafael Leao (R) vies with FC Juventus' Juan Cuadrado during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
AC Milan's Rafael Leao reacts during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori (R) vies with FC Juventus' Mouse Kean during a Serie A football match between FC Juventus and AC Milan in Turin, Italy, on May 28, 2023. (Photo by Daniele Mascolo/Xinhua)
