The Rossoneri (2nd) temporarily return to one point behind the leader, Inter Milan, whose match scheduled in Bologna on behalf of the 20th day did not take place due to grouped cases of Covid in the Bologna workforce.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic replacing, Giroud was responsible for launching Milan by opening the scoring from the penalty spot (8th), following a guilty gesture of the arm of Tammy Abraham, then being at the origin of the second signed Junior Messias (17th).
French AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud opens the scoring on a penalty kick at home against AS Roma, on Matchday 20 of Serie A, January 6, 2022 at San Siro Miguel Stadium MEDINA AFP
Roma, punished for their start to the game in slow motion, then reacted well but they fell on a great Mike Maignan on his line: the goalkeeper N.2 of the Blues multiplied the parries, only bowing on a clever deviation Abraham (40th).
The Giallorossi, whose workforce was however less reduced than the Rossoneri (five positives), faltered after the break, reduced to ten after the exclusion of Rick Karsdorp (74th) and even to nine after a red for Gianluca Mancini (90 + 3rd).
First saved twice by the bar, the Romans logically ended up cracking on a full axis breakthrough from Rafael Leao, served by Ibrahimovic (82nd).
Portuguese AC Milan striker Rafael Leao scores the third goal at home, as Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic looks on against AS Roma on Matchday 20 of Serie A, January 6 2022 at San Siro Miguel Stadium MEDINA AFP
The Swedish giant, entered in place of Giroud, missed the opportunity to participate in the party, missing a penalty in added time.
Roma (7th) remain six points from the Top 4 and will host Juventus on Sunday without the two suspended: the year could have started better for José Mourinho.
© 2022 AFP