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The Nigeria international finally opened his Serie A account for the Italian giants on Sunday, prompting the Rossoneri boss’ remarks.
AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli believes the best is yet to come from Samuel Chukwueze after the Nigeria international scored his first Serie A goal in Sunday’s 3-1 win against Hellas Verona.
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17:27 - 17.03.2024
Chukwueze scores first-ever Serie A goal as AC Milan beat Verona
Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze has opened his league account for AC Milan. He scored months after making the summer move from Villarreal.
Hellas Verona 1-3 AC Milan
Theo Hernandez put the Rossoneri 1-0 up just before the break before Christian Pulisic, the USMNT’s joint-top scorer in Serie A, netted five minutes after the interlude, slotting home into an empty net after Lorenzo Montipo parried Noah Okafor’s shot into his path.
Tijjani Noslin halved the deficit in the 64th minute, but Chukwueze made sure of maximum points at the Bentegodi, volleying home from inside the penalty in the 79th minute after Ismael Bennacer’s corner was partially cleared.
What did Pioli say about Chukwueze’s first Milan goal in Serie A?
Having been recently labelled the club’s biggest disappointment of the season, the Super Eagles forward was undoubtedly pleased with his strike, confirming the Rossoneri moved three points clear of Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus, who could only draw at home to Genoa.
Pioli has preached patience for last summer’s arrival from Villarreal, insisting there is more to come from the 24-year-old.
“Chukwueze is in his first Serie A season, where the demands upon him are certainly different to those he had at Villarreal,” said the Milan boss after the 3-1 victory. “He is working hard and trying, but sometimes people rush to judge players. I am glad for the goal and that he is coming on with the right attitude when called upon. We have the necessary patience to wait for all our players to develop.”
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20:41 - 26.02.2024
AC Milan boss challenges Chukwueze to match ex-Chelsea star's performance
AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has called out Samuel Chukwueze to up his game.
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What did Chukwueze say after scoring first Serie A goal?
The Africa Cup of Nations runner-up was undoubtedly happy to score and hopes to keep delivering when called upon to force his way into the Milan side consistently.
“I am really happy. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time,” the Nigerian winger told DAZN as quoted by Pulse Sports. “These first few months were not easy, but I’ve continued to work hard. Winning was important, and I want to keep scoring to help the team.
“I must continue working hard because they signed me to score goals. I trust the coach and his plans for me. I just need to remain focused and continue working hard. Today’s goal means a lot to my confidence. I must continue to work and be focused on the future.”
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What comes next for Chukwueze and Milan?
Milan are not in league action for another fortnight because of the international break. However, Chukwueze will not join the Super Eagles group for friendly games against Ghana and Mali, having been left out of the 26-man roster.
The winger hopes to play when Milan’s Serie A campaign resumes against Fiorentina on March 20.
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