Olivier Giroud (left) – Photo Credit: Flickr

In their opening match of the Serie A season, Brahim Diaz of AC Milan struck an early goal which proved enough to earn a 1-0 victory at Sampdoria.

Diaz rejoined Milan on loan from Real Madrid for the next two seasons and squeezed the ball home after nine minutes. This led to the visitors getting their campaign up and running.

Both sides had chances in the first half while the new Milan goalkeeper, Mike Maignan made several fine stops to preserve his side’s lead, although the pace slowed as the match wore on.

Meanwhile, close-season Milan signing Olivier Giroud had two late opportunities to cap his debut with a goal, but Diaz’s strike gave Stefano Pioli’s side the three points.

The victory signifies that Milan has now won 11 away Serie A games since the start of 2021, the joint most in the top five European Leagues, level with Manchester City and Barcelona.

“I think we all fight together and on the pitch the spirit is the right one,” said Diaz. “The team always does something more. With this spirit we will do great things. Wearing Milan’s number 10 shirt is not something I’m afraid of.”