Jan-Carlo Simic, an 18-year old teenager, made a memorable debut by scoring a goal in his Serie A debut for AC Milan. He replaced Tomasso Pobega in the first half and scored from close range after Tijjani Reijnders gave the home side a third-minute lead. In a comfortable victory over Monza, Noah Okafor, who was a fellow substitute, finished a slick team move to secure a 3-0 win, following Milan’s Europa League berth.
After securing this victory, Stefano Pioli, the head coach of Milan, was immensely relieved. Milan has won just three out of eight league matches and now finds themselves five points behind second-placed Juventus, but are also five points clear of fourth-placed Napoli.
The Rossoneri, who were buoyed by their victory at Newcastle, showed determined and focused play right from the start. They took a third-minute lead when Netherlands international Reijnders stormed through three challenges and scored a goal with a shot through Monza keeper Michele Di Gregorio’s legs.
Ce Di Gregorio then made a good save to deny Theo Hernandez’s strike after Rafael Leao had made a smart run down the left.
Lorenzo Colombo, on loan from Milan, had a chance to score for Monza but instead placed the ball into the sidenetting. On the other hand, Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s shot took a deflection and looped just over Di Gregorio’s crossbar. Di Gregorio then made a solid save to deny Alessandro Florenzi’s long-range effort.
After a fine save by Di Gregorio, substitute Simic scored right after, applying the finishing touch to a cross from Leao. On the other hand, the crossbar denied Christian Pulisic from an eye-catching third goal.
Despite Inter’s best efforts, Milan continued to attack, and Simic narrowly missed heading a goal from a corner. Substitute Patrick Ciurria made an attempt from long range, but the French goalkeeper Maignan saved it.
In the remaining minutes, Giroud set up Okafor to score a third goal, which was a stylish finish to seal the victory for the home side. Although Giroud had a chance to score himself at the end, he was unable to capitalize on a counter-attack as the visitors were spared further punishment. This win has certainly lifted Milan’s spirits and provided a much-needed relief.