After Genoa, now Naples: two different games but with the same protagonist, Olivier Giroud. The French striker has once again been confirmed as MVP, following two headed goals, a house speciality, in his natural role as striker. Since the beginning of 2023, no player has scored more goals than him with his head in Europe's top-five leagues, sitting alongside Erling Haaland and Harry Kane with seven to his name.
The number 9 got back in on the act again with the strength and hunger of a champion. Between the 22nd and 31st minute in Serie A's biggest game of the weekend, Giroud first opened the scoring powerfully heading home Pulisic's inviting cross, and then grabbed his second steering in Calabria's deft cross into the bottom corner. It was a frightening brace, leaving Meret no chance at all, and one that should have provided him a luckier ending. The Frenchman also shone for the number of aerial duels won (three), and in the most dififcult moments in the game he did not fail to support his teammates.
Olivier carried the responsibility on his shoulders, and when he sees Napoli he goes wild. In a Rossoneri shirt, the 37 year old has not scored more goals against any other side than against the Azzurri, five in all competitions and four at the Maradona. It was another inspired trip, which gave him his fifth and sixth in the league this season.
But his two goals wasn't enough to satisfy him, because as a true leader he wanted more; he wanted the three points, as he explained at the end of the game. His performance though was enough to give to award him as the best player on the pitch in Napoli v AC Milan, courtesy of supporters voting for him via the AC Milan Official App. Giroud finished above assistman Calabria and Musah for the number of votes. Well done, Oli!
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