AC Milan opened their Serie A campaign on Monday with a 1-0 win at Sampdoria as coach Stefano Pioli fielded a host of new signings including Olivier Giroud.
Giroud, who turns 35 next month, is expected to make a sizeable impact for the Rossoneri alongside the club’s other ageing star Zlatan Ibrahmivoc.
There was a new presence too between the goalposts, with Mike Maignan, recruited from French champions Lille.
Looking assured in his new surroundings it was Maignan’s long pass that set up the only goal of the game, Davide Calabria then providing the assist with Sampdoria keeper Emil Audero unable to cope with Brahim Diaz’s low shot.
The Spanish midfielder joined on loan from Real Madrid last season and that has been extended for two more years.