AC Milan legend Filippo Galli has admonished Milan manager Stefano Pioli to start Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze alongside Christian Pulisic and Rafael Leão in Thursday's Europa League quarterfinal second leg clash against Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.
The 60-year-old made this call after Milan's 3-3 stalemate with Sassuolo over the weekend. The Nigeria international was one of Milan's best performers on the day and was unlucky to have two goals he scored overturned by VAR.
Hopes were high on Chukwueze's ability to take Italy by storm and light up the peninsula with his explosive blend of pace, flair and incisiveness upfront, but the Nigerian had, for most of the season, found it difficult to even secure an extended run in the Milan starting XI.
After struggling in his first six months as an AC Milan player, Chukwueze has been experiencing a resurgence since March endearing himself to the Milan faithful. Pioli and his team will enter Thursday's encounter following a 1-0 defeat in the previous fixture.
Pioli faced criticism for his hesitation in bringing Chukwueze into the game, especially when Pulisic and Leão were struggling to assert their influence.
Galli suggests tactical shifts ahead of Roma clash
Galli believes that integrating Chukwueze into the starting lineup against Roma presents a strategic opportunity for Milan.
While acknowledging the talents of Leao and Pulisic, Galli stressed the importance of not necessarily sacrificing either player but rather exploring the possibility of tactical adjustments.
He suggests the option of evaluating Loftus Cheek's position, possibly moving him back to midfield to accommodate Pulisic as an attacking midfielder alongside Chukwueze.
This tactical tweaks, according to Galli, could provide Milan with a dynamic attacking force capable of breaking down Roma's defence.
Galli remarked, “Chukwueze starting against Roma could be an idea, and that doesn't mean giving up either Leao or Pulisic. Perhaps evaluating whether to move Loftus back to midfield so Pulisic as an attacking midfielder? Obviously Pioli is there every day and knows the dynamics, he will be able to make the right choices.”
Galli had a successful 15-year career with the Rossoneri, during which he won numerous trophies both domestically and on the continent.
Chukwueze's form: Crucial for AC Milan's season and Nigeria's World Cup hopes
Reviving one's career is easier said than done. It is typically very talented and gifted players who show their class before falling away but ultimately getting back to the top once again.
Even very gifted players often fail to revive their careers though. That is more reason why Samuel Chukwueze deserves all the fuss that surrounds him.
It is early days yet but Chukwueze is gradually becoming one of Milan's most important players and has made a clear and noticeable impact whenever he stepped on the pitch.
His recent performances are a great portrayal of his abilities going forward in terms of passing, movement, accuracy, precision, and scoring.
On a good day, Chukwueze is able to stretch defenses and draw fouls; competes gamely and can pull off the odd impressive finish.
As the season reaches its climax, AC Milan will undoubtedly need Chukwueze in his best form. His ability to influence games with his skillset could prove decisive in crucial matches as they push for success in the Europa League.
On the other hand, with Nigeria gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin in June, it's imperative that Chukwueze maintains his peak form.
His contributions on the international stage will be vital for Nigeria's aspirations to secure qualification.
Therefore, both Milan and Nigeria will be counting on Chukwueze to maintain his exceptional form as the stakes continue to rise.
