Pioli chooses Okafor over Chukwueze for the Empoli match despite Rafael Leao’s suspension

AC Milan coach Stefano Pioli does not have confidence in Super Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze as he chose to select Noah Okafor for Sunday's match against Empoli despite Rafael Leao’s suspension.

  Milan are scheduled to face Empoli on Sunday afternoon and given the right schedule, Pioli is expected to make some changes to the starting XI. However, he has learned from the mistake made against Monza.

Milan bounced back with an important win against Lazio last weekend and will be aiming to put pressure on Juventus again, now just one point behind. Some changes are expected to the XI, as per Gazzetta dello Sport, with Okafor replacing the suspended Leao and more.

As opposed to the game against Monza, when Pioli changed all of the forwards, he looks set to keep Christian Pulisic on the right flank for the balance. Chukwueze is eager to prove his qualities but he has not impressed and Milan are not in a position to take risks.

The post-match headlines, in the event of a defeat, would be brutal for Pioli in case he does decide to change all of the forwards. This is not likely to happen, therefore, and Pulisic is also beaming after his goal against Slavia Praha.

Having said that, it is likely that we will see Chukwueze off the bench as Milan needs to start seeing some return on their investment.