AC Milan clinched their first Italian Serie A title in 11 years after earning a 3-0 final-day victory at Sassuolo on Sunday, with a double from Olivier Giroud and one from Franck Kessie sealing the Scudetto in style.
The Rosdoneri have done it! They’re the Champions of Serie A after 11 years. Since that Kaka era ended, I witnessed the worst of AC Milan and almost gave up of their return. But things changed and well done Stefano Pioli and the whole unit. Let’s become best in Europe #ForzaMilan pic.twitter.com/VbdyEHoln1
— Faisal Caesar (@faisalyorker1) May 22, 2022
Stefano Pioli’s side came into the final round of fixtures knowing a point would be enough for them to finish top ahead of rivals Internazionale, but after Giroud squeezed the ball home in the 17th minute, a 19th Serie A title never looked in doubt.
France international Giroud stabbed home a second in the 32nd minute after further fine work from Rafael Leao to put Pioli’s men on course for the trophy, without needing to be concerned with how Inter were getting on back at their shared San Siro stadium.
There was no relenting from Milan as Kessie slotted home a third four minutes later to effectively put the game, and title race, to bed before halftime.
Our people, our colours: this is #ACMilan, we are the CHAMPIONS OF ITALY
La nostra gente, i nostri colori: niente è più bello! Festeggiamo rossoneri, SIAMO CAMPIONI D’ITALIA!
#AlwaysWithYou #SempreMilan #SassuoloMilan pic.twitter.com/L8gw79K5nT
— AC Milan (@acmilan) May 22, 2022
After the break, it was party time in Emilia-Romagna, with thousands of Milan fans, who had clearly purchased tickets among the home supporters, celebrating throughout the half as their side never looked in any danger of being pegged back.
The final whistle was greeted with wild scenes of celebration from the club who have waited far too long for a Scudetto for a side of their grandeur, as they finished two points above Inter, whose home win over Sampdoria was in vain.
Milan showed no sign of any early nerves as they took the game to mid-table Sassuolo.
Fikayo Tomori had seen his header cleared off the line and Alexis Saelemaekers’ shot was well saved even before in-form Brazilian Leao stole in down the left and squared for Giroud to fire his side in front.
The last Time AC Milan won The Scudetto was in 2011, when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was their key man.
After over a decade of struggle, AC Milan are on the verge of lifting it again, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic a key figure on and off the pitch.
The perfect end to an incredible career. pic.twitter.com/0PB4apjuxb
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) May 18, 2022
The second was all about the persistence and guile of Leao, who again held off several challenges before squaring for Giroud to score his 11th Serie A goal of the season.
Kessie, who according to widespread reports in Italy was playing his last game for Milan before joining Barcelona in the close season, then side-footed home the third with ease to complete the job.
AC MILAN ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF ITALY.
pic.twitter.com/aQJWLqICsn
— CBS Sports Golazo
(@CBSSportsGolazo) May 22, 2022
Veteran striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic thought he had added the icing on the cake with a fourth off the bench late on, but the Swede’s header was ruled out for offside.
It mattered little, with the celebrations already in full swing. Even Pioli himself, who after 19 years as a coach has finally won his first senior trophy, joined in with supporters singing “Pioli’s on fire” in the final few minutes.
Zlatan Ibrahimović adds another trophy to his INSANE collection after winning the Serie A title with AC Milan again
Which trophy of his is most impressive?
pic.twitter.com/uVL9rDLOsh
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) May 22, 2022
Milan’s jubilant supporters swarmed the pitch as the match drew to its conclusion, embracing players and staff at every opportunity, with their wait for another league title finally over.
Courtesy: Reuters