A flurry of first-half goals provided Milan with the platform for a comfortable Serie A victory over Cagliari on Sunday night, as Olivier Giroud netted his first strikes for the club following his move from Chelsea.

Sandro Tonali opened the scoring with a curling free kick before the Rossoneri were immediately pegged back by a flying header from Alessandro Deiola after just a quarter of an hour.

However, within ten minutes the hosts were 3-1 up, with Brahim Diaz first deflecting home a drive from teammate Rafael Leao before turning provider for Giroud’s lovely first-time finish.

Diaz was involved again as his shot was blocked by a flailing arm on the precipice of the penalty area shortly ahead of half-time, and Giroud converted the resulting spot-kick to make it a resounding 4-1 at the break.

It was simply a matter of seeing the game out for Milan in the second period, although Ante Rebic did come close to adding to the lead, while Mike Maignan was forced into a good save from a free kick.

The result leaves Milan fourth in Serie A two games in.

Here’s how the Rossoneri players rated on Sunday night…

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Mike Maignan (GK) – 6/10 – Not given much chance with Cagliari’s equaliser. Barely had anything to do in the rest of the match other than a save from a late free kick right on the goalline.

Davide Calabria (RB) – 6/10 – Outmuscled and out-jumped for Deiola’s leveller. Useful going forward with his crossing, but switched off on a couple of occasions at the back.

Simon Kjaer (CB) – 7/10 – Among those in no man’s land for the quick-fire leveller. Otherwise typically imperious, marshalling the back line.

Fikayo Tomori (CB) – 6/10 – Drawn out to leave Calabria exposed for the visitor’s goal. Almost nabbed one himself with a well-saved first-half volley. Like his centre-back partner, solid.

Theo Hernandez (LB) – 7/10 – Typically marauding. Almost provided a wonderful assist for Giroud with a mesmeric piece of skill. Heavily involved in the build-up to two of the goals.

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Sandro Tonali (DM) – 7/10 – Opened the scoring by curling home a free kick. Carried the ball forward well but also provided decent protection at the other end. Subbed.

Rade Krunic (DM) – 7/10 – Busy alongside Tonali, breaking up play with interceptions and progressing the ball forward.

Brahim Diaz (AM) – 8/10 – Drove forward and laid on a lovely assist for Giroud’s first. Also fired the shot that earned Milan a penalty for a handball just before half-time. Dazzling dribbling ability – wonderful to watch throughout. Booked.

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Olivier Giroud: GOALS GUARANTEED! ?⚫️

A smart finish from the AC Milan striker for his first goal in Serie A ?

Zlatan Ibrahimović approves! ?? pic.twitter.com/3685tUM7yh

— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 29, 2021

Alexis Saelemaekers (RW) – 7/10 – Exceptional work-rate from the Belgian. Won’t have grabbed the headlines but was industrious from minute one.

Olivier Giroud (ST) – 9/10 – Graceful, accurate first-time finish to open the scoring and an unerring penalty for his second. Typically full of flicks and delicate touches. He really suits Serie A.

Rafael Leao (LW) – 8/10 – Flicked through brilliantly by Giroud early on, but denied by a wonderful sliding block. Eventually awarded a goal after Diaz deflected his shot home. Strong and dangerous throughout until he was subbed.

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Ante Rebic – 6/10

Alessandro Florenzi – 6/10

Ismael Bennacer – 6/10

Daniel Maldini – N/A

Samu Castillejo – N/A

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