Samuel Chukwueze Shines in AC Milan’s Comeback Win Over Bologna

Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze reminded everyone of his talent on Friday night, playing a key role in AC Milan’s 3-1 comeback victory against Bologna at San Siro.

Chukwueze, who has had a tough second half of the season, was finally given a chance to play after being left out for several weeks. Although fully fit, he hadn’t started any of Milan’s last 15 Serie A matches and had only played 111 minutes across seven appearances. He was also left on the bench for the full 90 minutes in eight games.

With Milan trailing 1-0 after Riccardo Orsolini’s early second-half goal, manager Sergio Conceição brought Chukwueze on with 25 minutes left, along with Santiago Gimenez and Kyle Walker. The change made a quick impact.

Just eight minutes later, Chukwueze’s low cross deflected to Christian Pulisic, who set up Gimenez for the equaliser. Pulisic then scored to give Milan the lead before Chukwueze assisted Gimenez again to seal the win.

Chukwueze’s speed, skill and urgency gave Milan new life in what had been a flat performance. After the game, manager Conceição praised his impact:
“I’ve embraced everyone. Chukwueze deserves praise, just like the others who came on,” he said.
“He hasn’t played in a long time and wanted to prove I was wrong not to pick him earlier. It’s good to have players giving you these kinds of doubts.”

The assist was Chukwueze’s first in Serie A this season and only his second in all competitions. But the timing of this performance may now boost his chances of starting again.

The win moved Milan up to eighth in Serie A with 60 points — just three behind fourth-placed Juventus in the race for Champions League football. Bologna are still in seventh, two points ahead, with two league games left.

Chukwueze’s display also gives Milan hope as they prepare to face Bologna again in the Coppa Italia final. The Rossoneri haven’t won the Coppa since 2003, and the Nigerian winger could be key to ending that drought.

The final is also a big chance for Chukwueze to turn a difficult season into a successful one, as he already has a Supercoppa Italiana title with Milan this campaign.