Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze will be aiming to win the Coppa Italia as five-time champions AC Milan go head-to-head with Bologna in a highly-anticipated final at the Stadio Olimpico today.
Despite a disappointing season that saw them exit the Champions League in the playoffs while currently sitting eighth in the Serie A, AC Milan have shown strong form in the Coppa Italia, defeating Sassuolo, Roma, and Inter Milan to book their spot in the final.
Meanwhile, Bologna have also impressed in their cup campaign, securing a comfortable win over Monza, followed by a notable victory against one of the tournament favourites Atalanta, before bringing an end to Empoli’s dream run in the semi-finals to reach the final for the first time since 1974.
Although Samuel Chukwueze has seen limited action in the Coppa Italia with just 93 minutes, he has impressed when called upon, scoring twice in AC Milan’s 6-1 win over Bologna in the round of 16.
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The Nigerian winger has struggled to get consistent game time this season, but his recent impact off the bench in Milan’s comeback win against Bologna — providing an assist to seal the much-needed 3-1 victory — caught the attention of Sergio Conceicao ahead of the final.
“I have embraced everyone. He deserves a very positive word, like the others who came in. He hasn’t played for a long time and wanted to show the coach that I was wrong not to put him in that game. It’s a good sign to have these doubts in the starting line-up,” the Portuguese tactician said in his post-match press conference.
Victory over Bologna would mark AC Milan’s sixth Coppa Italia, an achievement Sergio Conceicao believes would be a silver lining for their underwhelming season: “It will surely be a pleasure if we can win this trophy and satisfy the fans in a difficult year,” the head coach told reporters.
“From the outside, we may seem angry, but it’s not the case. We have immense joy in playing this final. This pressure is part of Milan’s history. It’s normal in these big clubs. We must only focus and be ready,” he added.
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