AFCON 2025
Samuel Chukwueze claimed the Panini Player of the Match award as AC Milan edged Torino 2-1 in their Serie A opener on August 23, 2026.
Ruben Amorim guided the Rossoneri to a hard-fought victory in his first competitive match in charge, while former Milan man Ignazio Abate oversaw Torino’s campaign launch. Milan controlled large stretches of the contest at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, dominating possession and generating far more shots than their hosts.
Chukwueze started as right wing-back and immediately imposed himself on the game. He drove forward with purpose, forced a sharp first-half save from goalkeeper Diego Mascardi after a surging run into the box, and continually created danger down the flank. His energy and delivery kept Torino’s defence under constant pressure long before the breakthrough arrived.
Amorim turned to his bench just before the hour mark and introduced Adrien Rabiot and Luka Modrić. The changes transformed the match. In the 64th minute Rabiot supplied the cross that Alphadjo Cisse finished superbly on his Serie A debut, giving Milan a deserved lead. Three minutes later Chukwueze whipped in a teasing delivery from the right, and Rabiot met it with a decisive volley to make it 2-0.
Torino refused to surrender. They pressed forward in the closing stages, struck the woodwork, and finally reduced the deficit when Ché Adams produced a brilliant stoppage-time finish. Yet Milan held firm and protected their slender advantage until the final whistle.
Chukwueze’s overall contribution sealed his selection as official Player of the Match. He created more chances than any other player on the pitch, won possession high up the field, and provided the decisive assist for Rabiot’s goal.
The result handed Amorim an encouraging start to life in Serie A and rewarded Milan’s control and clinical second-half edge. Chukwueze’s lively display offered an early highlight of the new season as the Rossoneri collected three vital opening-day points on the road.
