Chukwueze was decent for the Rossoneri, but his efforts proved to be insufficient at the end of 90 minutes
AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has praised Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze for his performance against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday despite their disappointing 3-1 loss, Soccernet.ng reports.
Chukwueze got a rare start for AC Milan when they played hosts to Borussia Dortmund in their penultimate UEFA Champions League group game at Giuseppe Meazza.
The Rossoneri were missing talisman Rafael Leao, so it was a good chance for Chukwueze to prove his mettle.
A sweet start quickly turned sour for the Milan giants, as Dortmund got in front through Marco Reus in the 10th minute after Olivier Giroud missed a penalty for Milan seven minutes earlier.
However, Chukwueze produced some magic in the 30th minute, dribbling past some Dortmund defenders to score a beautiful goal and make it 1-1. However, that was all the Nigerian could muster, as Dortmund ran out 3-1 winners after goals from Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Karim Adeyemi.
Chukwueze played 77 minutes and registered 25 touches, four shots on goal, and two tackles.
Following the result, AC Milan boss Pioli stated that he was happy with Chukwueze’s performance.
“I am happy; finally, he[Chukwueze] was decisive in the offensive phase. There are important signs of growth from him that will facilitate his integration,” Pioli said per Milan Posts
Chukwueze’s goal against Dortmund was his first since he joined. Pioli will hope that it opens the floodgates for more.