Samuel Chukwueze: AC Milan Boss Stefano Pioli Applauds Nigeria Star After Fiorentina Performance

• Samuel Chukwueze was on fire in AC Milan's important win over Fiorentina
• The Nigerian has struggled at the club this term since joining in the summer
• AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, was impressed with the Super Eagles winger

Samuel Chukwueze produced a magnificent performance in AC Milan's narrow 2-1 away win against Fiorentina.

AC Milan coach, Stefano Pioli, and winger, Rafael Leao, showered praise on the Nigerian star after a brilliant performance.

Chukwueze has struggled at AC Milan after joining them this season from Villarreal. The Super Eagles winger has made 25 appearances, scored three goals, and provided one assist, per Transfermarkt.

The 24-year-old's performances have elicited heavy criticism in Italy. He failed to cement a starting spot in the lineup early on, and the jury is still out on whether he is the right signing for the club.

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Against Fiorentina, he played 73 minutes and he showed why the coach and the fans should have faith in him. Last season in Spain, he registered 13 goals and 11 assists for the Spanish side.

He has started eight Serie A games this season so far.

Pioli lauds Chukwueze

Pioli loved what he saw from Chukwueze on Saturday, March 30. The Italian tactician believes his goal against Hellas Verona on March 17, helped his confidence.

“He is a very positive guy; he stayed with us and worked well during the break. Then I have to tell the truth: if Pulisic hadn’t confided to me yesterday that he was feeling a bit tired, I probably would have let Chris start, but Chukwu deserved this opportunity, which he exploited very well, he said via Complete Sports.

Pioli understands that Chukwueze needs time to settle in Italy, and that's why he skipped the March international break.

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"He has quality. He needed more time to settle in, but he knows what we want from him and what he can give to the team.”

Next season, AC Milan fans will expect Chukwueze to kick on after a tough first season at the club. Still, he can finish the season strong in the remaining matches. Leao echoed his coach's remarks.

“Today, I have to talk about Chukwueze because he played a great game; I’m very happy for him because he had delicate moments. I’m very happy for him.”

Pioli defends Chukwueze

Sports Brief earlier reported on Pioli defending Chukwueze after his superb goal against Verona.

Pioli said that the Nigerian comes from a league that plays a different style of football and needs time to acquaint himself with the Italian style.