Samuel Chukwueze’s time at AC Milan appears to be winding down, but the Nigerian winger could still have a say in one of their biggest games of the season.
With reports in Italy suggesting the club is ready to part ways with the 25-year-old at the end of the campaign, Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Inter offers him a last chance to leave his mark in a Rossoneri shirt. Chukwueze has been a fringe player for much of this season, but cup competitions have offered glimpses of his quality.
The first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final ended in a 1-1 draw, setting up a winner-takes-all return at San Siro. Tammy Abraham put Milan in front in the reverse fixture before Hakan Calhanoglu struck back for Inter against his former club.
For Milan, the Coppa Italia represents a final shot at silverware and possibly European qualification in an otherwise disappointing season. Inter, meanwhile, are still chasing a treble, having already secured a place in the Champions League semi-finals and sitting atop Serie A.
Correct Score Prediction: Inter Milan vs AC Milan
Inter are in better form and have more depth going into this tie. Milan, struggling for consistency and dealing with a lack of creativity, will need to be at their best to progress. The absence of a true home advantage at San Siro, shared by both sides, makes it a straight fight.
However, Inter’s form and Milan’s struggles suggest the Nerazzurri could edge it again.
Prediction: Inter Milan 2-1 AC Milan
What now for Samuel Chukwueze?
The former Villarreal forward has managed just 24 league appearances this season, returning only three goals and no assists. In the Champions League, he has drawn blanks in all seven appearances.
Still, in just 93 minutes of Coppa Italia football, he’s scored two goals, both coming in the Round of 16 win over Sassuolo.
Despite his meagre numbers, Chukwueze‘s pace and directness remain valuable assets, especially in high-tempo derbies where moments of chaos can decide the tie.
That said, with AC Milan expected to undergo a squad shake-up and Champions League football slipping out of reach, the Nigeria international could be among the first names moved on.
