Samuel Chukwueze scored twice, leading AC Milan to a resounding 6-1 victory over Serie B leaders Sassuolo at the San Siro on Tuesday, advancing them to the Italian Cup quarter-finals. Milan, now unbeaten in seven matches across all competitions, showed improved form under coach Paulo Fonseca.
The team aims to capture their first Italian Cup since 2003, a feat last achieved nearly two decades ago. “The first half was magnificent, and it allowed me to rest some key players,” Fonseca commented to Sport Mediaset, expressing satisfaction with his team’s serious approach and positive attitude.
Chukwueze initiated the scoring in the 12th minute, capitalizing on a rebound off the post. The lead doubled shortly after when Tijjani Reijnders struck a brilliant shot from outside the box. By the 21st minute, Milan escalated to a 3-0 lead, with Chukwueze completing his brace, his first since a double for Villarreal against Real Madrid in April 2023.
The momentum continued with Ruben Loftus-Cheek setting up Rafael Leao to score, marking the fourth goal within 23 minutes. Mid-game, Fonseca utilized the opportunity to rest starters like Leao and Loftus-Cheek, introducing four substitutions at halftime.
In the 56th minute, Davide Calabria scored his season’s first goal. Although Samuele Mulattieri managed a consolation goal for Sassuolo, Tammy Abraham extended Milan’s lead with a back-heel finish, marking his fourth goal since his loan from Roma.
In other tournament news, Bologna defeated Monza 4-0, securing a spot in the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. They quickly took control with two goals within three minutes from Tommaso Pobega and Riccardo Orsolini. Despite Monza’s hopes to reach the quarters for the first time in 54 years, Benjamin Dominguez sealed the win for Bologna in the 63rd minute, assisted by Santiago Castro, who later scored himself, concluding a strong performance by Bologna.
