By Daniel Edu
AC Milan’s coach, Stefano Pioli, has assured Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze that he will have ample time to showcase his abilities for the team. Chukwueze began AC Milan’s first Serie A game of the season against Bologna on the bench but was substituted in during the 73rd minute. AC Milan won the match 2-0, with goals from Olivier Giroud and Christian Pulisic.
Pioli explained that Chukwueze’s late start in training due to his recent arrival at the club was the reason for his limited playing time in the match. Chukwueze joined AC Milan on July 27 and had only two weeks of training with his new teammates before the start of the Serie A season. He was not part of AC Milan’s pre-season tour in the United States, where they faced prominent clubs like Real Madrid, Juventus, and Barcelona.
Pioli expressed confidence that Chukwueze, along with other recent arrivals Okafor and Musah, would quickly catch up with their teammates in terms of fitness and readiness.
Chukwueze’s transfer to AC Milan, involving an initial fee of around €20 million with additional €8 million in add-ons, was highly anticipated. He was expected to bolster AC Milan’s attacking options, particularly on the flanks. However, he faces competition from players like Pulisic for a place in the starting lineup. Chukwueze will be aiming to make his home and starting debuts for AC Milan in their upcoming match against Torino.
