Stefano Pioli has explained his decision to start Samuel Chukwueze over Christian Pulisic on the right wing in AC Milan’s game against Fiorentina tonight.
Milan can extend their lead above Juventus to six points with a victory against Fiorentina, given that the Bianconeri dropped points earlier in the evening with a last-minute defeat to Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico.
The feeling is that with each passing week the Rossoneri are edging towards securing Champions League qualification, but sadly Inter’s remarkable form has meant that there was never really a Scudetto battle.
In terms of selection news, Pioli chose Chukwueze to be the right winger over Pulisic, but it must be remembered that the latter played a lot with the USA over the international break and returned late after winning the CONCACAF Nations League for a third time.
Pioli spoke to Sky moments before kick-off at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, with his comments transcribed by MilanNews.
Tonight you face an emotional game…
“Always a special match for me, tonight there will be many things in the pre-match and then there will be the football match.”
There is no Theo, and Pulisic is on the bench…
“I spoke to Christian yesterday, he hadn’t fully recovered yet and he told me that he preferred to play a part of the match. Chukwueze is working well, he had a bit of difficulty fitting in, but he’s fine, he’s a quality player.”
What do you expect from Fiorentina?
“Fiorentina plays well, they are very aggressive and very intense. We too have to bring all our qualities to the pitch.”
Can we please get a coach that has some ideas. whats going on right now?
What’s going on? We win. 6 matches in a row. Most of the new players bedding in well and contribute. Our 2024 form is really good. We’re in 2nd place with 6 points from 2nd place Juventus.
Um, anything else?
I think you just want to start an unnecessary arguement here. Everyone can see that Pioli is doing great with the bunch of new signings. Most top coaches would have struggled to get the players performing well.
I guess some Milan fans are having brain damage or something.
😂😂😂😂
Chukwueze had a bit difficulty fitting in? This man are you insane? Chukwueze had always fit in. You are an incompetent manager
Chukwueze has struggled,but had a good game yesterday.
Pioli has not had it easy with the new players facing longer adjustment times than expected as well as the injury wave that has decimated the center back position.Hopefully,the strong performance from yesterday,paired with a win at a difficult venue is giving the boys a healthy boost. Boost, not complacency,there is a difference. Sempre Milan!!
That was dynamic exciting futbol. Both teams brought their a-games. Fiori were energetic and aggressive and brought more passion, but Milan had more machinations in the box and better quality players overall. Piolli was the better tactician for recognizing the mindset of the opponents and hence keeping fresh legs in the second half…