Ex-Real Madrid boss sees a different Chukwueze as Amorim unlocks Milan star

Former Real Madrid manager Fabio Capello says Samuel Chukwueze looks like a “completely different player” after the Nigerian winger helped AC Milan open their Serie A campaign with a 2-1 win at Torino, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chukwueze started as the right wing-back in Rúben Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on Sunday. The Super Eagles star was one of Milan's most dangerous players before being replaced by Alexis Saelemaekers in the 66th minute.

His display was a sharp change from the player Capello criticised after the Nigerian joined Milan from Villarreal in 2023.

Writing for La Gazzetta dello Sport after Milan's victory, former Milan manager Capello praised Amorim's early work and singled out Chukwueze.

“Moving on to AC Milan, however, we’ve already begun to see some of Amorim’s influence, starting with a very intense first half,” Capello wrote as per Livescore.

“The Rossoneri have already shown a desire to implement what their coach asks of them: a game plan, for a real match from the start. Speaking of which, Chukwueze certainly deserves a mention, as he struck me as a completely different player than he was two years ago.”

Chukwueze no longer Capello's ‘shy player'

Chukwueze's performance gave weight to Capello's change of view. The 27-year-old was given a demanding role on Milan's right side. He had to provide width when his team attacked and drop into the defensive line when Torino had possession.

He also threatened the home defence throughout the first half. In the 30th minute, the former Fulham man cut inside and fired a left-footed shot from inside the area. Torino goalkeeper Diego Mascardi saved it with his foot. Moments later, the Nigeria international created another chance with a cross for Alphadjo Cissé, whose header went wide.

His most important contribution came after half-time. Milan broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when Cissé finished a move involving Adrien Rabiot. Two minutes later, Chukwueze supplied the cross for Rabiot to score Milan's second goal. That assist capped a performance in which Chukwueze repeatedly attacked Torino's left side. He finished with an assist, four chances created and nine touches inside the opposition penalty area. His 7.5 rating from StatMuse was also among Milan's top scores.

The performance was particularly notable because Chukwueze was not playing his old role as a conventional attacking winger.

Amorim used him as a wing-back in a system designed to give Milan a high-energy right flank. The Portuguese coach had worked during pre-season on giving the entire right side to Chukwueze, an unusual choice because the Nigerian had spent much of his career as a forward.

Capello's latest comments are a sharp contrast to what he said in November 2023, only months after Chukwueze's €20m move from Villarreal.

At the time, Capello questioned Milan's summer recruitment and said the club had invested €132m in 10 players. He used Chukwueze as an example, saying the winger had done “wonderful things” at Villarreal but was “still a shy player” at Milan.

Capello also pointed to the pressure of playing at San Siro and said the Milan shirt required “a considerable amount of personality”.

His criticism continued in December 2024. Capello said Milan needed a right-sided attacker who could provide the same threat the team had traditionally created on the left. He added: “Unfortunately, Chukwueze has never really clicked and there is no alternative with similar characteristics.”

Almost two years later, Capello is describing the same player in very different terms. The challenge for Chukwueze is to repeat that performance when Milan face Venezia in their first home league match at San Siro.