AC Milan 5-1 Sampdoria - Olivier Giroud nets hat-trick as Milan saunter past relegated visitors in style

AC Milan cruised to victory against an already relegated Sampdoria side 5-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to keep their top-four hopes alive in Serie A. The Rossoneri went into an early lead as Rafael Leao finished coolly in the opening 10 minutes. Ad Sampdoria equalised as veteran Fabio Quagliarella converted a great cross from Alessandro Zanoli.

World CupGiroud and Deschamps say France 'got a bit lucky' against England11/12/2022 AT 09:20 Oliver Giroud then scored twice, a sublime header and a penalty after Leao was fouled when through on goal. Brahim Diaz impressed throughout and tapped in a fourth before Giroud bundled in for his hat-trick in untidy fashion. The win takes Milan a point behind Lazio in fourth and two short of Inter in third, who both play tomorrow.

Serie A table Serie A fixtures / results Serie A top scorers TALKING POINT – GIROUD ROLLS BACK THE YEARS It was an easy night for AC Milan and Giroud took full advantage. His goals were typical of the veteran striker, a header, a penalty followed by him bullying a defender and tapping it in. Giroud may be 36 years old and Milan may need a new, younger striker this season but the French hero is a useful asset and always has an eye for goal.

He has scored eleven in the last two Serie A seasons. PLAYER OF THE MATCH – BRAHIM DIAZ His end product can be criticised but Brahim Diaz shone as Milan flexed their attacking power. The Spaniard floated behind Giroud and Samp struggled to get a grip of him.

Two assists with inch perfect passes and a goal for the attacking midfielder after being in a great position. By the end of the game was pulling out flicks and tricks. PLAYER RATINGSAC Milan: Maignan 6, Calabria 6, Thiaw 6, Tomori 6, Hernandez 7, Krunic 6, Tonali 7,