Chukwueze stakes claim for bigger AC Milan role with influential Celtic display

Samuel Chukwueze strengthened his case for a significant role under new AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim with a decisive second-half performance in a 2-2 pre-season draw against Celtic at Celtic Park.

The Nigeria international came off the bench at half-time with Milan trailing 2-0 and was directly involved in both goals as the Serie A side fought back to avoid defeat against the Scottish Premiership champions.

Chukwueze, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Fulham before returning to San Siro this summer, was introduced at the interval as Amorim looked to spark a response from his team.

Celtic had taken control before the break through goals from Camilo Duran and James Forrest, putting the hosts in a commanding position in front of their own supporters.

Early second-half turnaround

Milan’s response began almost immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Francesco Camarda reduced the deficit from the penalty spot.

The 16-year-old forward won the spot-kick himself, drawing a foul from Cameron Carter-Vickers inside the area before calmly converting to make it 2-1.

Chukwueze, operating on the right side, quickly became a constant outlet and caused repeated problems for Celtic down that flank with his direct running and delivery.

Only five minutes after Camarda’s penalty, the pair combined again for the equaliser. Chukwueze produced a precise cross from the right, which Camarda met with a header to level the match at 2-2.

Tactical role under Amorim

Amorim has used pre-season to experiment with his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, and Chukwueze has largely been deployed as a right-sided midfielder rather than as an out-and-out winger.

That role at Celtic Park allowed the Super Eagles winger to contribute both offensively and in wider build-up play, while giving Milan width and penetration in the final third.

His energetic display and direct contribution to both goals are likely to give Amorim more to consider as he finalises his plans ahead of the new campaign, particularly in terms of who occupies the wide roles in his system.

Return from Fulham loan

Chukwueze’s future had been uncertain after his temporary spell at Fulham, where the Premier League club chose not to trigger an option to make the move permanent.

His return to Milan this summer has coincided with Amorim’s arrival, giving the 25-year-old a fresh opportunity to impress a new coaching staff.

With competition for places in Milan’s attacking and wide positions expected to be intense, performances in pre-season are likely to carry extra weight.

Statement in pre-season

Although the match at Celtic Park was a friendly, Chukwueze’s impact in turning a two-goal deficit into a draw will be noted as Milan build towards the start of the Serie A season.

His sharpness on the right, the quality of his crossing and his link-up with Camarda offered a glimpse of how he might fit into Amorim’s plans.

For Milan, the comeback ensured a positive conclusion to a testing workout against the reigning Scottish champions; for Chukwueze, it was an important personal statement at a key moment in his bid to secure a more prominent role at the club.