Crisis talk? Milan coach holds clear-the-air talks with Super Eagles' Chukwueze

AC Milan manager Stefano Pioli has held a serious meeting with Nigerian winger Samuel Chukwueze to discuss the player's role for the rest of the season, according to reports in Italy.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that Chukwueze has had a difficult start to life at the San Siro and recently returned to the club after international duty with Nigeria at AFCON.

According to Sempremilan, the private conversation took place at the club's Milanello training complex as Pioli aims to reintegrate Chukwueze into his first team plans after a lengthy absence.

Chukwueze had struggled to find his feet at the Serie A giants since he joined the club from Villarreal last summer and even before travelling to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The 23-year-old featured fairly regularly at the AFCON 2020, where he helped Nigeria reach the final. 

He has since returned to Milan but failed to impress in a rare Serie A start against Monza, playing for just 46 minutes in the 4-2 defeat.

Pioli will be hoping his heart-to-heart chat with the player provides the catalyst for improved performances. The manager knows Chukwueze needs regular game time if he is to recapture his best form.

With AC Milan cruising after a 3-0 first-leg win over Stade Rennes in the Europa League round of 16, tomorrow's second leg could offer Chukwueze the perfect opportunity to get his Milan career back on track.

Having failed to impress in his first match back from AFCON, the Super Eagles star could get another chance to impress his manager from the start on Thursday night.