Giroud ready for challenge ahead in semifinal

The French striker is ready for a highly anticipated Milan derby, as his team continue their Champions League campaign against local rivals Inter Milan. Now in his second season at the club, Giroud left his last team, Chelsea, after their 1-0 victory in the final against Manchester City. Although this won him his first UCL title, he rode the bench for the whole game. 

Now, very aware he's approaching 37 years old, Giroud hopes to "do something great" with his team on Wednesday night. The French national has 13 goals and 7 assists this season with the Italian side.

The decision about Milans' Rafael Leao lies in the hands of coach Stefano Pioli, who said he would wait to see if the winger was fit to play after his thigh injury on Saturday. Leao, with 23 G/A this season, went off early in the game on Saturday but was seen in training on Tuesday. 

Between them, the Italian teams have won 10 Champions League titles and have met twice previously in the knockout stages of the tournament. Milan came out on top first in 2003 and then again in 2005, leading 3-0 on aggregate when the second leg of the match was abandoned due to fans throwing flares on the pitch.

Inter manager Simone Inzaghi knows "what it means for us, for the club, for the fans" and is ready to face his local rivals with a team he claims has been "very focused" on the match.