Advertisement

Olivier Giroud leads AC Milan to first Serie A title in 11 years to deny rivals Inter

 (AP)
(AP)

AC Milan won the Serie A title for the first time in 11 years after Olivier Giroud inspired the Rossoneri to a 3-0 win at Sassuolo.

The Stadio Citta del Tricolore was turned into a sea of red and black as the Milan fans made the journey to Reggio Emilia for Sunday’s final day of the season.

With a win needed to deny rivals Inter Milan a successful defence of their crown, Giroud scored twice before a Franck Kessie goal made it a cruise to the finish line for the Diavolo.

Frenchman Giroud stabbed home a second in the 32nd minute after further fine work from Rafael Leao to put Pioli's men on course for the trophy, without needing to be concerned with how Inter were getting on back at the San Siro.

There was no relenting from Milan as Kessie slotted home a third four minutes later to effectively put the game, and title race, to bed before half-time.

AC Milan fans celebrate their title triumph in the city centre (REUTERS)
AC Milan fans celebrate their title triumph in the city centre (REUTERS)

After the break, it was party time in Emilia-Romagna, with the thousands of Milan fans sat among the home supporters celebrating throughout the half as their side never looked in any danger of being pegged back.

The final whistle was greeted with wild scenes of celebration from the club who have waited far too long for a Scudetto for a side of their grandeur, as they finished two points above Inter, whose home win over Sampdoria was in vain.

Back in Milan, fans celebrated wildly in front of the city’s famous Duomo cathedral, eagerly awaiting their heroes’ return.

Additional reporting by Reuters.