Chukwueze forced to watch AC Milan win from the bench despite Pioli’s failed promises

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli and forward Samuel Chukwueze (Credit: Imago)

Chukwueze forced to watch AC Milan win from the bench despite Pioli’s failed promises

Ayoola Kelechi 16:39 - 23.09.2023

AC Milan battled to a hard-fought win over Verona in Serie A, but Chukwueze was nowhere to be found

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze was unable to make an appearance in AC Milan’s 1-0 win over Hellas Verona despite manager Stefano Pioli promising that the winger would get to play more games after his UEFA Champions League debut.

Chukwueze benched for AC Milan

Chukwueze made his first start for AC Milan during the Rossoneri’s 0-0 draw with Newcastle on the opening day of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League, but was largely underwhelming in the goalless draw.

This led many to ask if the Nigerian forward would get more opportunities to impress after his first start of the season, and Pioli promised that Chukwueze would still get to play more games for the club.

AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze | Imago
AC Milan's Samuel Chukwueze | Imago

However, in just the first game since Pioli made the pronouncement, it appears that the Italian manager has gone back on his word, as Chukwueze could not get a single minute of action against Verona.

AC Milan battle to win without Chukwueze

Chukwueze’s place in the starting line up was taken by American winger Yunus Musah who played the entire duration of 90 minutes.

In the Super Eagles star’s absence, Milan battled to a difficult away win, with captain for the day Rafael Leao scoring the all important winner eight minutes into the match.

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The victory over Verona gets Milan back to winning ways after a slump that saw them lose against Inter in Serie A and draw with Newcastle in the UCL.

The Rossoneri are now level on points with table toppers Inter, although they have played one more game than their cross-town rivals.

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