Tassotti backs Chukwueze to adapt to demanding new Milan role

Mauro Tassotti has praised Samuel Chukwueze’s progress at AC Milan while acknowledging the difficulties the Nigeria winger faces in adjusting to a wider tactical responsibility under manager Ruben Amorim.

Chukwueze is being asked to operate along the entire right flank, contributing defensively as well as providing his usual attacking threat. The role represents a significant change from playing as a more advanced, out-and-out winger.

“This is the first year that Chukwueze has been playing on the wing [up and down the whole flank],” Tassotti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The former AC Milan defender and five-time Scudetto winner was speaking ahead of the Rossoneri’s return to Serie A action against Sassuolo after the international break. His interview covered the tactical adjustments being made across the squad as Amorim continues to develop his approach.

Tassotti said Chukwueze had already shown enough quality to suggest he can make the role his own, although he also noted that the transition has exposed some weaknesses in Milan’s shape.

“I’ve seen him do some good things, and others less so, with Milan finding themselves unbalanced in some dangerous situations,” he said.

The assessment reflects the challenge facing Chukwueze as he learns to combine his pace and attacking ability with the discipline required to cover the full length of the flank. His effectiveness in that position could prove important to Milan’s ambitions this season.

For Amorim, the task is to refine a system that allows Chukwueze to remain an attacking outlet without leaving the team vulnerable when possession is lost. The Nigeria international’s continued development will therefore be closely linked to Milan’s efforts to find greater balance.

Chukwueze’s adaptation comes as the club prepares to resume its Serie A campaign against Sassuolo, with the winger continuing to learn the demands of his new position at San Siro.