AC Milan striker Olivier Giroud was happy to score in victory over Roma last night.

Giroud opened the scoring from the spot as Milan went onto win 3-1.

The Frenchman later said: "I don't believe in the curse of the number 9 shirt, but sometimes I thought about it after the physical problems I have had (smiles).

"Now I'm fine, I feel good with the team. We lost a few points in the last period, so it was important to start the year well.

"I'm happy for the goal, I was a bit unlucky on the second goals, but then (Junior) Messias did well."

On young defenders Matteo Gabbia and Pierre Kalulu, Giroud continued: "I told then a little about (Tammy) Abraham's weaknesses, he is a very strong forward and he showed it again today. Pierre and Matteo did well."