Samuel Chukwueze delivered a game-changing performance for AC Milan on Saturday night, coming off the bench to provide a crucial assist in a spirited 3-1 comeback win over Bologna — a result that keeps the Rossoneri firmly in the hunt for European football, Footynaija.com reports.
Having endured a difficult season blighted by limited playing time and only two goals to his name — against Parma in January and Lazio in March — the Nigerian winger made a timely impact at San Siro.
Introduced in the 65th minute with Milan trailing 1-0, Chukwueze sparked life into a previously sluggish Milan side with his directness and energy.
His decisive contribution came just eight minutes after his introduction. Chukwueze whipped in a low, deflected cross that fell kindly for Christian Pulisic. The American set up Santiago Gimenez to level the scores, before Pulisic himself struck soon after to complete a dramatic turnaround.
Samuel Chukwueze was involved in the buildup for all three goals AC Milan scored tonight, he was directly involved in the last one. ️
Making huge impact off the bench pic.twitter.com/NKzPS60fns
— Ghana Naija Ballers (@GHNaijaBallers) May 9, 2025
Chukwueze’s assist for Milan’s third goal of the night was his first in Serie A this season and only his second in all competitions — but it could hardly have come at a more critical moment.
Earlier in the match, Riccardo Orsolini had fired Bologna into a 49th-minute lead, putting pressure on a Milan side desperate to keep pace in the race for Europe. However, manager Sergio Conceicao responded swiftly, sending on Chukwueze, Gimenez, and Kyle Walker in a triple substitution that proved decisive.
Gimenez sealed his brace late on to make it 3-1 with Chukwueze providing the assist. The victory saw Milan climb to eighth in the Serie A standings with 60 points, just three adrift of fourth-placed Juventus. Bologna remain seventh, two points ahead of the Rossoneri with two games remaining.
Chukwueze’s performance will give Milan a welcome boost ahead of their Coppa Italia Final, where they will again face Bologna. It presents a golden opportunity to lift their first Coppa Italia trophy since the 2002-03 season.
For Chukwueze, it’s a chance to end a frustrating season on a high and remind everyone of the talent that brought him to the San Siro.