Super Eagles: 3 ways Chukwueze is pushing into Ruben Amorim’s plans after Milan’s 7-0 win

Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze has taken another important step in his bid to revive his AC Milan career, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigeria international found the net in the Rossoneri’s emphatic 7-0 victory over Milan Futuro in a closed-door pre-season training match at the club’s Milanello headquarters.

The internal friendly was the unofficial debut of new AC Milan head coach Ruben Amorim, who has taken charge of the Italian giants ahead of the 2026-27 campaign. Although the match was played behind closed doors, it provided the Portuguese coach with an early chance to assess his squad before Milan leave for their pre-season tour.

Amorim rotated two completely different teams across the two halves as he began introducing his ideas to the players.

A second-half substitute, Chukwueze played on the right side of midfield in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system rather than as an out-and-out winger.

The senior side controlled the contest from the opening whistle and built a 2-0 lead before the interval. Teenage talents Andrej Kostic and Lorenzo Ossola scored the opening goals as Milan dominated possession and created numerous chances.

The second half became even more one-sided after Milan Futuro introduced several younger academy players born in 2008 and 2009. Milan’s superior quality quickly showed as they added five more goals through Chukwueze, Francesco Camarda, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana and defender Strahinja Pavlovic to complete a comprehensive 7-0 victory.

Beyond getting on the scoresheet, Chukwueze looked comfortable in his new tactical role, repeatedly stretching play down the right and showing the intensity Amorim expects from his wide players.

The result gives Milan confidence before their first public pre-season friendly away to Celtic, where Amorim is expected to continue testing his new tactical system against stronger opposition.

The 26-year-old Super Eagles attacker knows this pre-season could define his future at San Siro. After an inconsistent spell with Milan and the collapse of a proposed permanent move to Fulham following his loan stint, Chukwueze has returned determined to prove he still belongs at San Siro.

The first reason is his willingness to embrace a completely new position. Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 formation leaves little room for traditional wingers, meaning Chukwueze has had to adapt into a right wing-back or wide midfielder. Rather than resisting the change, he has reportedly thrown himself into learning the demands of the role. The Nigerian is studying how Amorim previously developed attack-minded wide players into complete two-way performers, with the coach expecting his right-sided players to contribute both defensively and offensively.

The second reason is his decision to reject an easier route out of Milan. Turkish club Trabzonspor reportedly offered around €15 million to sign the Super Eagles forward and give him regular first-team football. Chukwueze instead chose to stay and fight for his place. That decision has sent a strong message to Amorim and the Milan hierarchy that he wants to succeed in Italy rather than leave after two difficult seasons.

The third reason is the visible improvement in his fitness and work rate. Earlier in his Milan career, Chukwueze was criticised for inconsistent defensive tracking, tactical lapses and injury problems. During pre-season, however, he has reportedly worked hard on his physical conditioning to cope with the demanding role required in Amorim’s system. His relentless pressing, willingness to track back and energy on the right flank during the 7-0 win were rewarded with a goal.

With Milan’s pre-season schedule about to intensify, Chukwueze has given himself a strong platform. More difficult tests lie ahead, beginning with the trip to Celtic, but his display against Milan Futuro suggests the Nigerian is making the most of a fresh start under Amorim and is steadily forcing his way into the coach’s plans for the new season.