Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze made headlines by scoring the decisive goal for AC Milan in a tense 1-0 victory against Udinese at the San Siro, breaking his eight-game goal drought in the process. This victory was crucial for the Rossoneri, who had played with ten men for a significant portion of the match. Chukwueze’s goal not only marked his first of the 2024/25 season but also provided a much-needed boost for both the player and the club, which has been struggling with inconsistent performances in recent weeks.
Having joined AC Milan from Villarreal in the summer of 2023, Chukwueze was eager to make an impact after a mixed debut season in Italy. Previously, he had scored three goals across all competitions in the previous term, which included notable contributions during the UEFA Champions League against teams like Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle United. Chukwueze’s recent goal came at a pivotal time for the Rossoneri, especially after their disappointing 2-1 loss to Fiorentina, where they missed two penalties and saw key players like Theo Hernandez and Tammy Abraham underperform.
In preparation for the match against Udinese, Milan’s manager Stefano Pioli made significant changes to his attacking lineup. He opted to bench Rafael Leao, moving Christian Pulisic alongside Alvaro Morata and Noah Okafor. This tactical switch proved effective, as it helped create opportunities, most notably leading to Chukwueze’s goal. The scoring opportunity materialized early in the match when Okafor made a dynamic run down the left, eventually assisting Pulisic, who provided the final pass to Chukwueze, allowing him to finish the move with confidence using his left foot.
The significance of Chukwueze’s goal was amplified when AC Milan faced adversity after a red card incident on the half-hour mark. Midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was sent off for a last-man foul, exacerbating the team’s challenges as they were forced to defend their slim lead for the remainder of the match. This situation tested the resilience of the remaining players, who had to dig deep and maintain composure under intense pressure from Udinese as they sought an equalizer.
Chukwueze’s goal raised his tally to four goals for Milan, further showcasing his ability to contribute to the team’s offense. His earlier netting against Hellas Verona and performances in European competitions had already established his potential, but this latest strike signals a possible turning point in his season. With Milan keen on competing for the Serie A title, Chukwueze’s resurgence in form may prove to be essential for the Rossoneri’s aspirations as they navigate a grueling campaign.
As AC Milan looks ahead, the hope is that Chukwueze’s recent success could propel him into a prolific spell, strengthening the squad’s chances in both domestic and European competitions. Milan’s journey toward challenging for the Scudetto will require consistent performances from their key players, and with Chukwueze’s confidence on the rise following this goal, he could become a pivotal figure in their ongoing quest for greatness in Italy and beyond.
