Former AC Milan coach Fabio Capello has praised Samuel Chukwueze’s impact in the Rossoneri’s Champions League 3-1 victory over Club Brugge on Tuesday night, rating the Nigerian’s performance above that of Rafael Leao, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The assessment came after Milan secured their first win in the new Champions League group phase format, with Chukwueze providing an assist after replacing Leao in the 60th minute of the encounter at San Siro.
In a heated debate on Sky Sport Italia’s post-match show, Capello and Paolo Di Canio analysed Leao’s performance, with both pundits underscoring Chukwueze’s superior contribution.
“Okafor and Chukwueze were better in terms of passing,” Di Canio insisted, comparing them to Leao, who was substituted with the score at 1-1 before Milan went on to secure victory.
The Nigeria international, who joined Milan from Villarreal last summer for €20m, has been largely used as a substitute under new coach Paolo Fonseca, starting eight of his 10 appearances from the bench.
Despite his limited playing time, Chukwueze’s impact against Brugge, which saw him assist Tijjani Reijnders for Milan’s third goal, demonstrated his growing influence in the team.
The 25-year-old now has two goal contributions in the last two games after scoring the only goal in Saturday’s win over Udinese.
The match also saw Nigeria and Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika receive a straight red card in the 40th minute, his second dismissal of the 2024-25 season.
Meanwhile, Chukwueze’s impressive showing comes amid reports linking him with a January move to Premier League side Everton, who are reportedly keen to strengthen their attacking options under manager Sean Dyche.
The Rossoneri will return to Serie A action on Saturday, when they face Bologna at the Stadio Dall’Ara.