CM: Nkunku silences critics and rumours with third goal in two – Allegri’s hope

One of the few bright spots for AC Milan against Fiorentina was that Christopher Nkunku provided another decisive contribution.

As Calciomercato.com write, Nkunku’s return to the pitch after a two-week layoff due to an ankle injury – one that sustained late in the match against Hellas Verona – coincided with his third goal in Serie A since arriving.

His 90th-minute strike earned Milan a valuable point in their tough trip to Florence and extended the unbeaten run to 18 games, meaning that it has lasted since the second half of the season after losing in round one.

It reaffirmed that the former Chelsea player can play an important role in the second half of this season too. With Christian Pulisic failing to convert two one-on-one opportunities, another Chris stepped up.

Pressure? What pressure?

Having overcome the challenges of a difficult adjustment to Italian football, compounded by repeated physical setbacks, Nkunku is starting to respond to the strong criticism. It started with his brace in the 3-0 win against Hellas Verona on December 28, but he had to sit out the two games that followed.

Above all, Nkunku has reaffirmed his full commitment to repaying the faith of Milan, who invested €38m plus bonuses to sign him. There had been talk of Fenerbahce swooping, but the forward responded after the game: “I want to stay here, at Milan. The rumours are just speculation.”

It is a rather explicit way of making clear that he does not want to leave the Rossoneri, even faced with the prospect of earning a significant salary and getting more starts, given his ex-Leipzig coach Domenico Tedesco is at Fenerbahce.

Nkunku wants to prove he deserves the responsibility that Milan have given him. He’ll also strive, through more goals and strong performances, to continue to attract the attention of France coach Didier Deschamps, with a view to next summer’s World Cup.

Given the challenging physical condition of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic, and more generally a team that hasn’t been consistently consistent in managing the various moments of matches, Allegri has an added weapon. Niclas Fullkrug is that too, as he showed bright signs in Florence.

For a team that has often been accused of relying on the impromptu play of its best players and of controlling matches by maximizing the few scoring opportunities it has created, having an additional Nkunku in the mix is ​​one of the best pieces of news from the Fiorentina match.