AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli has made it clear that he will not tweak his formation to accommodate Samuel Chukwueze in his starting lineup.

Despite being one of the most in-form players in the Rossoneri side in recent weeks, the Nigeria international has continued to play second fiddle to United States captain Christian Pulisic.

The former Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund star is keeping Chukwueze out of the starting lineup and Pioli has stressed that he can not name more than three forwards in his starting lineup.

In Saturday's Serie A showdown at the  Allianz Stadium which finished goalless, the Super Eagles winger once again started on the bench before replacing Christian Pulisic with seven minutes to go.

Pioli has justified his decision to leave out Chukwueze from the starting lineup, saying the American holds a higher position in the pecking order of right wingers.

In quotes relayed by Milan News, Pioli explained: "I liked Pulisic instead. Chukwueze is also fine but at the moment I won't give up an extra midfielder to play with 4 attacking players and therefore Chukwuze is the one sacrificed the most at the moment."

Chukwueze has been in the starting lineup for thirteen out of the 48 matches played by the seven-time European champions this season, whereas Christian Pulisic has started 40 out of the 46 matches he has participated in.

The two wingers joined the  Rossoneri  last summer for a combined fee of €40 million if bonuses are not included. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com