Milan attacker Olivier Giroud sat down with Serie A ahead of Matchday 5 to speak about the Derby della Madonnina between the Rossoneri and Inter, the club’s 2021-22 Scudetto triumph, and Portuguese starlet Rafael Leao.
Derby della Madonnina
A tradition and massive sporting attraction, the fixture between Milan and Inter never fails to disappoint. Giroud played a big part in the success the club experienced in these clashes in the 2021-22 campaign.
“My brace in the derby was a turning point last season. I think that things changed with that win – it drove us to win the Scudetto… The Milan derby is special. Obviously, I’ve played in derbies in London before. There’s perhaps more pressure and tension here…”
2021-22 Scudetto
Milan secured their 19th Scudetto in the 2021-22 season, finishing atop the table with 86 points; just two above rivals Inter. When a side reaches 20, it is recognized with a second star above their badge, and Milanisti are eager to beat their rivals to achieve this before them.
“In Italy, everything happens so quickly. We’d only just won the 2021/22 Scudetto and fans were asking me when we’d win our 20th…”
Rising Star Rafael Leao
The 23-year-old Leao was the 2021-22 Serie A Player of the Season. The winger joined Milan from Lille in the Summer of 2019 and has since become one of the most exciting players in world football.
“Leao is one of the best youngsters I’ve played alongside. He’s still got time to learn and kick on to the next level, and maybe the level after that, too…”