Samuel Chukwueze: AC Milan Coach Stefano Pioli Defends Nigerian After Stunning Goal vs Hellas Verona

• AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli, has expressed support for Samuel Chukwueze
• The Super Eagles winger has faced criticism for his underwhelming performances
• He scored a stunning volley against Hellas Verona in their latest Serie A victory

AC Milan boss, Stefano Pioli, has thrown his support behind summer signing Samuel Chukwueze, despite the Nigerian winger's initial struggles to adapt to life in the Serie A.

After a successful stint with Villarreal, Chukwueze arrived at the San Siro with a hefty €20 million price tag.

The 24-year-old had boasted an impressive 13 goals and 11 assists in his final 52 appearances for the Spanish club.

His transition to Italian football hasn't been seamless, with only two goals and one assist in his first 21 outings for Milan.

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However, Chukwueze silenced some doubters with a well-taken volley in their 3-1 over Hellas Verona at the Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium on Sunday, March 17. The goal secured three points and kept their gap over rivals Juventus intact.

After the match, Pioli acknowledged new players' challenges when adjusting to a different league.

“I believe that too many times judgments are rushed and there is no time to wait. They are guys who come from a different mentality, another way of living and training, another way of playing," said Pioli, as quoted on Sempre Milan.

The manager also expressed satisfaction with the attacker's performance and the team's overall approach.

Chukwueze hasn't escaped criticism entirely. Pundits like Peppe Di Stefano have labelled him Milan's 'biggest disappointment' due to his underwhelming displays. Di Stefano suggested Pioli lacked options on the right wing because of the player's struggles.

"Pioli has regained many players and is no longer in an emergency, boasting a strong squad in terms of numbers. However, he lacks great alternatives at right wing, as Chukwueze has been the disappointment of the season," he said, as reported by Sky Sports Italia.

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Chukwueze dropped from Europa League squad

Sports Brief reported when Chukwueze was ruled out of AC Milan vs Rennes UEFA Europa League clash.

This was after he returned to Italy a day before the crunch game.

He was part of the Super Eagles team that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).