Giroud Scores in His Last AC Milan Match on a Night of Farewells at San Siro

AC Milan's French forward #09 Olivier Giroud (C) makes a heart sign as he celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Salernitana at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on May 25, 2024. as the last match by coach. (AFP)
AC Milan's French forward #09 Olivier Giroud (C) makes a heart sign as he celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Salernitana at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on May 25, 2024. as the last match by coach. (AFP)
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Giroud Scores in His Last AC Milan Match on a Night of Farewells at San Siro

AC Milan's French forward #09 Olivier Giroud (C) makes a heart sign as he celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Salernitana at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on May 25, 2024. as the last match by coach. (AFP)
AC Milan's French forward #09 Olivier Giroud (C) makes a heart sign as he celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Italian Serie A football match between AC Milan and Salernitana at San Siro Stadium, in Milan on May 25, 2024. as the last match by coach. (AFP)

Olivier Giroud scored in his final match for AC Milan as the Rossoneri drew with bottom club Salernitana 3-3 on a Saturday night of farewells at San Siro.

The 37-year-old Giroud, who helped Milan to the Serie A title in 2022, is leaving after three years and will join Los Angeles FC.

Giroud was given a standing ovation when he was substituted off six minutes from time, hugging all of his teammates and coach Stefano Pioli as the crowd sang his name.

Milan’s last match of the season was also Pioli’s final match in charge, bringing to an end a five-year stint that included the Champions League semifinal last year as well as the Serie A title.

There were emotional scenes before the match as Pioli was encircled by his players. He had tears in his eyes as he embraced each of them individually as they applauded, while the whole stadium gave him a standing ovation.

Rafael Leão immediately went over to celebrate with Pioli after scoring the opening goal in the 22nd minute following a howler by Salernitana goalkeeper Vincenzo Fiorillo, who dropped the ball at his feet. They were joined by the rest of the Milan team.

Five minutes later it was Giroud’s turn as he acrobatically struck home a corner for his 15th league goal of the season. The France forward has 49 goals for Milan in his three seasons.

Simy pulled one back for Salernitana in the 64th but Davide Calabria restored Milan’s two-goal advantage 13 minutes later.

However, goals from Junior Sambia and Simy in the last three minutes rescued a draw for already-relegated Salernitana in its last top-flight match.

It was also Milan defender Simon Kjær's last match for the club. Pioli, Giroud and Kjær were all celebrated in a special ceremony after the match, and all three struggled to hold back tears.

RECORD-EQUALLING

Alex Sandro made his 327th and final appearance for Juventus as the Brazilian equaled Pavel Nedved’s record for the most matches by a foreign player for the Bianconeri.

Alex Sandro headed in Juve’s second in a 2-0 win over Monza. Federico Chiesa claimed the opener two minutes earlier.

Nicolò Fagioli hit the crossbar in the 16th minute on his first start for Juventus since returning from a seven-month ban for betting violations.

Monza forward Alessio Zerbin was sent off in the final minute following a second yellow card.



Brazil Goalkeeper Alisson Set to Return from Injury for Liverpool in Premier League

Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Brazil Goalkeeper Alisson Set to Return from Injury for Liverpool in Premier League

Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson Becker attends a news conference at the San Siro Stadium, in Milan, Italy, Monday, Sept.16, 2024, ahead of Champions League soccer match between A.C. Milan and Liverpool on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)

Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker is back in training and is set to return to the team for the trip to Wolverhampton in the English Premier League on Saturday.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot gave a positive update on Friday on the Brazil international, who has missed the last two games — big wins over Bournemouth in the league and West Ham in the League Cup — because of a hamstring injury.

“We are expecting him in the whole (practice) session today," Slot said of Alisson. “We think he is available.”

Backup keeper Caoimhin Kelleher replaced Alisson for the last two games.