Champion League
UCL: Stefano Pioli happy with Samuel Chukwueze’s display despite Newcastle draw
By Monsurah Olatunji
AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli has provided an insight on why he started Samuel Chukwueze in his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.
Milan were held to a 0-0 draw by Newcastle United FC who returned for the first time since 2003.
Having joined the Rosonerri in the summer, Samu is yet to record a goal or assist in five appearances across all competitions, four of this from the bench.
The 24-year-old was in action for 61 minutes before he was replaced by Christian Pulisic. The Nigerian winger made his first start and his performance was adjudged satisfactory by the coach despite the result.
“I want Samu to be very open,” Pioli told Football Italia.
“Chukwueze is rapid, good at one-on-one situations, taking on a tall and physical full-back, but one with a very different pace to him.
“He was used to cutting a lot inside the pitch. The idea in Newcastle’s first half was to target a full-back with another pass, in the first half we didn’t make much use of him, then I put Pulisic on. But we’re satisfied of his performance.”
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