Samuel Chukwueze marked his 50th appearance for AC Milan in style, scoring a brace in their emphatic 6-1 victory over Sassuolo in the Coppa Italia round of 16 at San Siro on Tuesday night.
The Super Eagles forward, who has endured a challenging spell since his arrival from Villarreal, showcased his talent in a performance that could redefine his place in the team.
Chukwueze‘s night began with a near miss in the 12th minute when his initial shot struck the woodwork, only for him to score on the rebound.
Nine minutes later, he doubled his tally with a composed left-footed finish from inside the box, putting Milan 3-0 up. Throughout the game, the Nigerian was instrumental, providing energy and creativity from the wings.
A night to remember for troubled Chukwueze
His stats tell the story of a highly influential display. Chukwueze registered 64 touches, completed 81% of his passes (35 of 43), and delivered seven crosses, one of which led to a key opportunity. He created one big chance and had two shots on target, with one hitting the woodwork.
Defensively, the winger won four of seven ground duels and contributed one interception and one tackle. Despite losing possession 19 times, his overall contribution was vital to Milan's dominance.
Since joining AC Milan in the summer of 2023, Chukwueze’s journey has been a rollercoaster. Last season, under Stefano Pioli, he made over 30 appearances, primarily from the bench, playing second fiddle to Christian Pulisic. Expectations were high for the 25-year-old following an impressive preseason ahead of the 2024/25 campaign under new manager Paulo Fonseca.
However, Chukwueze has struggled to break into the starting lineup consistently, with Pulisic maintaining his place as Milan’s first-choice right winger. The Nigerian’s lack of regular starts has sparked interest from Besiktas, with the Turkish giants reportedly considering a January move.
Despite Besiktas’ interest, Milan views Chukwueze as vital cover for Pulisic and Rafael Leão, complicating any potential transfer. The Rossoneri will likely be reluctant to part ways with a player who has the ability to influence games, as shown against Sassuolo.
