By Daily Sports Nigeria on April 25, 2024

Samuel Chukwueze could finally get regular first-team action at AC Milan with the imminent sacking of their head coach, Stafeno Pioli, PUNCH Sports Extra writes.

The Nigeria forward’s rival Christian Pulisic is a huge favourite of the gaffer, who is currently on the firing line following Monday’s 2-1 derby defeat to Inter Milan at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with the latter clinching their 20th Serie A title in style.

Chukwueze has been making cameo appearances since joining the Rossoneri from Villarreal for €20m last summer, starting 10 of his 21 appearances across their 33 fixtures, as against 27 starts in 31 appearances by Pulisic, who shares a strong bond with Pioli as the manager helped revive his career after being forced out of Chelsea.

Chukwueze was a 68th-minute replacement for Ruben Loftus-Cheek, while Pulisic played from start to finish, as Milan were edged by their neighbours, who are now 17 points adrift of them in pole position.

 As the dust settles on the defeat, AC Milan are swiftly moving to address their managerial situation since the board has lost faith in Pioli, as per Fabrizio Romano.

According to reports from Antonio Vitiello in Italy, the Rossoneri are on course to appoint a new manager, as Pioli is set to be shown the door at the end of the current campaign.

His exit will give both Chukwueze and Pulisic a level playing field to fight for starting spots next season.

Registered by the club as a midfielder, Pulisic has not disappointed Pioli, having scored 10 Serie A goals, while he also ranks joint seventh for Serie A assists, setting up six goals for his team-mates.

Chukwueze could have delivered as much or even more, given the same opportunity as Pioli.

Pulisic appreciated the gaffer’s positive impacts on his career in a recent interview with Fox Sports.

The USA international said, “I wanted an opportunity, and Milan really gave it to me. Pioli really kept his promises. It’s not just knowing that I would play; it’s also having someone who supported me, talked about it before, and said that he wanted me badly.

“He gave me the opportunity to play and be myself the best way I know how, and he adjusted me to what works best for the team. I think we found a good balance in that sense. Tactics are definitely an important aspect in Italy, as everyone says. We constantly examine every possible situation in training: how we press and how we execute set pieces. I feel I’ve learned a lot.”

Source Punch Ng

Posted April 25, 2024

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