10 days before the start of Serie A, the Italian press assures that Olivier Giroud is no longer indisputable as a center forward at AC Milan, Stefano Pioli still claiming a center forward.
It’s like good wine that Olivier Giroud improves over time, he likes to remind us. The French international is coming off two great seasons at AC Milan. He brought his exemplary deflection game and his goals (14 then 18 in all competitions), contributing largely to the title of Italian champion won in 2022 and to the journey to the semi-finals of the Champions League last spring.
Giroud could, however, quickly lose his starting place, as he turns 37 on September 30. Tuttosport ensure this Thursday that Stefano Piolo is still looking for a quality centre-forward to compete with the ex-Arsenal striker. The Rossoneri technician no longer sees Giroud as a must in his eleven, but more as a luxury joker capable of saving his people at specific times.
The new attacking face of Milan
The Milanese recruitment is however perfect for a pivotal striker like Giroud, since Christian Pulisic (22 M€), Noah Okafor (14 M€) and Samuel Chukwueze (20 M€) have all landed to strengthen this offensive sector obviously led by Rafael Leao. They are all wingers capable of serving a centre-forward from the area or, even better, of relying on such a player to finish their actions themselves. Okafor can however evolve in front, as with Salzburg last season.
Giroud started the preparation matches against Juventus and Barça, in the United States, then against Monza on Tuesday. He shook the net against the Bianconeri. He should start the season at a peak while waiting for a hypothetical recruit. Milan concludes its preparation with two matches this weekend, against Etoile du Sahel on Saturday and Novara on Sunday, at the Milanello training center. First match of Serie A: August 21 in Bologna.
