November 23, (THEWILL) – AC Milan winger, Samuel Chukwueze, is set to make a rare back-to-back start for the Italian giants when they host Fiorentina at the San Siro stadium on Saturday. The 23-year-old Nigerian international, who missed his country’s recent World Cup qualifiers, has a chance to cement his place in manager Stefano Pioli’s starting XI.
Pioli is said to be considering playing striker, Noah Okafor, out of position on the right wing to fill the void left by the suspended Olivier Giroud up front. This would allow Chukwueze to start on the right side of Milan’s front three. American, Christian Pulisic, is reportedly in line to start on the left, with Okafor moved central in the absence of Rafael Leao.
The potential make-shift attacking trio are expected to train together later on Thursday, to work on their understanding ahead of the weekend fixture. One player who looks set to miss out is Serbian striker, Luka Jovic, with sources suggesting he will be named amongst the Rossoneri substitutes.
Saturday’s match gives Chukwueze an opportunity to impress after having mainly been restricted to substitute appearances since his summer arrival from Villarreal. His pace and direct running could cause Fiorentina problems if Pioli opts for what would be an experimental forward line.
The hosts will be hoping to return to winning ways in Serie A having drawn two of their last three league games and lost the other before the international break. Victory over Fiorentina at the San Siro would help them keep pace with league leaders and city rivals, Inter Milan.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
