Super sub Samuel Chukwueze adds a spark as AC Milan keep top-5 hopes alive in Serie A

AC Milan (@acmilan)/X

Many questions remain about Samuel Chukwueze's future at AC Milan, but the Nigeria national team winger showed what he can offer with an eye-catching cameo in Friday's important 3-1 Serie A victory over Bologna.

It has been a bumpy road this season for the Rossoneri, but they dug deep for a spectacular final thirty minutes, scoring three goals to overcome Riccardo Orsolini's opener for Bologna early in the second half. American superstar Christian Pulisic was the hero, assisting Santiago Giménez and scoring the game winner six minutes later.

But Chukwueze's introduction alongside Giménez in a triple substitution by Milan head coach Sérgio Conceição inspired the attack. The Super Eagle stretched the Bologna defense and offered a direct threat that created space for Giménez and Pulisic to thrive, assisting Giménez's second goal to confirm victory in stoppage time.

The 25-year-old's pace added a new dimension to help Milan move up to 8th place. Milan are three points behind 4th place Juventus, who sit in the final UEFA Champions League qualification place, as well as 5th place Roma and 6th place Lazio.

Bologna are still two points ahead of Milan in 7th, which means plenty of work remains for last season's runners-up. Milan will have an opportunity to qualify for the UEFA Europa League when they face Bologna on Wednesday in the Coppa Italia final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Another big Serie A match follows four days later at the same venue against Roma.

Chukwueze continues to be appreciated for his role as a substitute since coming back from injury earlier this season. He has five goals and two assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.