AC Milan coach explains why Chukwueze has had a difficult start, praises winger for performance v Fiorentina 

Speaking at the pre-match press conference before his side's Champions League meeting with Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli acknowledged that Samuel Chukwueze has had a difficult start to his Rossoneri career.

The Nigeria international joined AC Milan at the end of July, ending his association with La Liga team Villarreal in exchange for €20 million.

Chukwueze has struggled to adapt to life in the Serie A, with no goal in nine outings and has also fired blanks in two Champions League appearances. 

For the first time in his AC Milan career, the former Villarreal winger started back-to-back games as the seven-time European champions defeated Fiorentina 1-0 at the weekend. 

Pioli was pleased with the performance of Chukwueze against Fiorentina and noted that the injury he suffered while on international duty with Nigeria in Portugal last month slowed down his adaptation. 

When asked whether Chukwueze should be deployed wide or more inside the pitch to make him perform at his best, Pioli told reporters: "I was happy with Chukwueze's performance against Fiorentina. He had a difficult start due to an injury, which slowed down his integration into the team.

"Being a bit further inside allows him to be more involved in the game, but his position will depend on how we decide to play and his combinations with Calabria."

Chukwueze and his AC Milan teammates have to avoid defeat against Borussia Dortmund to prevent them from missing out on the Champions League knockout rounds, 

Igho Kingsley 

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