Brahim Diaz struck an early goal for AC Milan to earn them a 1-0 victory at Sampdoria in their opening match of the Serie A season on Monday.

The visitors quickly got their campaign up and running as Diaz, who rejoined Milan on loan from Real Madrid for the next two seasons, squeezed the ball home after nine minutes.

Both sides had chances in the first half, with new Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan making several fine saves to preserve his side’s lead.

Olivier Giroud had two late opportunities to cap his debut with a goal since moving to Italy from Chelsea but his misses mean Diaz’s strike is all Milan needed in the end to secure the three points.

The victory means Milan have now won 11 away Serie A games since the start of 2021, the joint most in the top five European Leagues, level with Manchester City and Barcelona.

“I think we all fight together and on the pitch the spirit is the right one,” Diaz said after the match.

“The team always does something more. With this spirit we will do great things.

“Wearing Milan’s number 10 shirt is not something I’m afraid of.”

With champions Inter Milan getting off to a flying start with a 4-0 victory over Sampdoria’s local adversaries Genoa on Saturday, Milan had to make a statement of their own, as they chase their first Scudetto in a decade.

PHOTO/COURTESY