Pioli’s challenge and new attitude – Chukwueze looking to finish season strong

Samuel Chukwueze finally got his first Serie A goal on Sunday during the win against Hellas Verona, and a report has outlined what has changed for him in his first season at AC Milan.

As Calciomercato.com write, Chukwueze arrived as the most expensive operation of the summer window and he has not had the first season in Italy that many hoped for, but he has certainly offered some encouraging signs.

Two of the three goals he has scored this season will have a significant impact on the final judgements. The one scored at St James’ Park against Newcastle got Milan into the Europa League knockout rounds, while the one against Verona put the Rossoneri three points above Juventus.

Something has changed in Chukwueze’s head in the last month, as per the report. Pioli had publicly asked for greater application in training from the winger and was satisfied, so it is no coincidence that the head coach has deployed him in the last three games against Empoli, Slavia Praha and Verona.

The hope now is that the spark has been ignited. Last summer Chukwueze arrived from Villarreal for €28m including bonuses, a substantial investment for a player who only had one year left on his contract with the Yellow Submarine.

It is €6m more than the amount paid to Chelsea for Christian Pulisic, who has 12 goals across all competitions and has been the revelation of the campaign so far.

Samu, as he himself confirmed in his post-match interview on Sunday, willingly accepted being an alternative to the American who is experiencing the best moment of his career.

Now he is becoming a decisive alternative, with consistency and quality. A team like Milan needs many players of the same high level to compete on all fronts and hasty decisions do not help anyone, as Charles De Ketelaere’s exploits show.