Pioli: Why I started Chukwueze against Newcastle United

MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 19: Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan battles for the ball with Anthony Gordon #10 of Newcastle United FC during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between AC Milan and Newcastle United FC at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 19, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Pier Marco Tacca/Getty Images)

AC Milan manager, Stefano Pioli has provided an insight on why he started Samuel Chukwueze in his side’s UEFA Champions League clash against Newcastle United on Tuesday night.

The encounter at the San Siro ended in a barren draw with the hosts wasting a couple of clear cut chances.

Chukwueze was named in the starting line-up for the first time since linking up with the Rooseneri from LaLiga club, Villarreal in the summer.

The 24-year-old was in action for 61 minutes before he was replaced by Christian Pulisic.

Pioli explained his decision to start the Nigeria international.

“Chukwueze is rapid, good at one-on-one situations, taking on a tall and physical full-back, but one with a very different pace to him. Pobega is very good at running into the box and entering those spaces,” he was quoted by Football Italia.

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