Super Eagles winger Chukwueze gets vote of confidence from former AC Milan goalkeeper 

Former AC Milan goalkeeper Mario Ielpo has backed Samuel Chukwueze to star against Genoa in matchday 35 of the Serie A which will be staged at the San Siro on Sunday evening.

Despite being in a rich vein of form lately, the Super Eagles forward is yet to start a game since the Rossoneri clash with Sassuolo last month, playing for just 29 minutes in the last two league games.

Stefano Pioli has come out to defend his decision not to give the 24-year-old a regular spot in the starting lineup, citing squad balance the reason behind sticking with Christian Pulisic.

With AC Milan yet to record a win in the last five games across all competitions heading into the clash with Genoa today, Pioli might be forced to make a decision on whether to start the Nigeria international.

Speaking to Radio Rossonera via Notizie Milan, Lelmo wants the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner to start against the Red and Blues and has backed him to make an impact in the encounter.

"I would say that profiles like Chukwueze who have always come in very well, have shown he is fit but then aren't put on the field by the coach should be feared; with all respect for a champion like Giroud, now that he's leaving I'll let him play his farewell match (against Salernitana ) and I'll let someone else play this one; if I have to say a name, apart from Leao who obviously does what he wants, he decides whether to win the match or not, whether to overshadow himself or not, another who can split the matches could be Chukwueze " .

The 19-time Italian champions sit second on the League table and are on the verge of sealing their place in the UEFA Champions League next season.

Chukwueze has played 31 across all competitions for the Italian giants and has notched three goals and two assists.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

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