ROME (Reuters) - AC Milan bounced back in Serie A as the club crushed already-relegated Sampdoria 5-1 at San Siro on Saturday, with Olivier Giroud completing a hat-trick.
The Rossoneri was looking for a resounding response following a dismal run as the club headed into Saturday’s game with three consecutive defeats on all fronts, including an exit in the Champions League with a frustrating 3-0 loss on aggregate against Inter Milan in the semifinals.
The home side broke the deadlock just nine minutes into the game as Brahim Diaz’s looped pass sent Rafael Leao clear who kept his cool to finish with a low strike.
Samp got back on level terms in the 20th minute as Alessandro Zanoli burst down the right to pull back for veteran Fabio Quagliarella to sweep it in.
However, it only proved to be a temporary balm for the Blucerchiati as Milan restored the lead three minutes later when Diaz delivered another assist for Giroud to head in, minutes before the Frenchman added another through a penalty.
Milan extended the lead in the 63rd minute when Leao’s pass sliced the defense into pieces, and Sandro Tonali squared for Diaz to tap in from a point-blank range.
Giroud put the icing on the cake five minutes later as the hitman got his third to round out the scoreline.
With the win, Milan kept its top four finish alive as the club ranks fifth with 64 points, one point behind Lazio who visits Udinese on Sunday.
Elsewhere, Bologna humiliated Cremonese 5-1, while Atalanta conquered Hellas Verona 3-1.