Giroud hat-trick boosts AC Milan’s UCL hopes

Olivier Giroud

AC Milan rebounded from UEFA Champions League (UCL) disappointment by beating already-relegated Sampdoria 5-1 in Serie A to boost its bid to qualify for next season's competition.

Olivier Giroud netted his first Serie A hat trick, Rafael Leao also scored, while Brahim Diaz set up two goals before capping a fine performance with one of his own in the second half.

Leao also set up Giroud's third and won a penalty. Milan moved to within one point of fourth-placed Lazio and two behind Inter Milan.

Lazio visits Udinese on Sunday, shortly after Inter plays at Serie A champion Napoli.

There are two more rounds remaining. Milan lost at Inter 1-0 on Tuesday in the Champions League semi-finals and was eliminated 3-0 on aggregate. Leao had missed the first leg with a thigh injury.

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