Giroud’s header seals AC Milan’s Champions League spot in victory over Juventus – The News International

AC Milan secured a place in the UEFA Champions League next season with a 1-0 win against Juventus in Turin.

Olivier Giroud’s excellent header from Davide Calabria’s cross in the 40th minute proved to be the winning goal. The game was largely uneventful, with Giroud’s goal being the only moment of quality.

Milan’s victory saw them finish at least fourth in Serie A and completed Italy’s representation in the Champions League alongside Inter Milan, Lazio and Napoli.

With one game to go, Milan are six points ahead of fifth-placed Atalanta, guaranteeing their Champions League qualification. Meanwhile, Juventus remain in seventh place due to a 10-point deduction for unauthorized transfer activity. While they are still battling for the Europa League spots, there are concerns that the club may be penalized further for financial irregularities.

In other Serie A fixtures, Lecce secured their survival with a dramatic 1-0 win over Monza, courtesy of a late penalty converted by Lorenzo Colombo in the 11th minute of stoppage time. Verona, on the other hand, drew Empoli 1–1 in heartbreaking fashion, leaving them in the last relegation spot. The result forced a play-off to determine the 18th-placed team, with Verona tied on 31 points with 17th-placed Spezia.

Despite Victor Osimhen’s brace, Napoli squandered a two-goal lead to draw 2–2 with Bologna. Osimhen’s goals took his season tally to 30, but Lewis Ferguson and Lorenzo De Silvestri ensured the match ended in a stalemate. Napoli had already secured the national title, but will undergo a trainer change in the summer.

In another game, Lazio regained second place with a 3-2 win over relegated Cremonese. A late winner from Sergej Milinkovic-Savic secured victory for Lazio, putting them two points ahead of Inter Milan in the standings.

AC Milan’s victory against Juventus was crucial for their financial stability and reputation in Europe. Despite a disappointing domestic campaign compared to the previous season, securing Champions League qualification for a third consecutive year is a major achievement for the club.

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