Italian media react as Christopher Nkunku makes first start for AC Milan after Chelsea exit

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Christopher Nkunku made his first start for AC Milan on Tuesday night, having joined the club from Chelsea in August.

Chelsea are through to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, but only after a shaky display against Lincoln City.

Filip Jorgensen failed to impress as the Blues scraped past the Imps in a 2-1 victory, with Enzo Maresca relieved to avoid a disastrous result.

Elsewhere, former Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku was in action as he started for AC Milan for the very first time.

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Italian media react to Christopher Nkunku display

Nkunku became surplus to requirements under Maresca, and few were surprised to see him leave at the end of the summer transfer window.

Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig were keen on Nkunku, but AC Milan won the race and lured him to Italy.

Nkunku had been introduced slowly as a substitute at the San Siro, but started against Lecce in the Coppa Italia.

Milan won 3-0, and Nkunku acrobatically found the net, pulling off his trademark balloon celebration in the process.

The Frenchman should have scored in the first half, but managed to hit the post from close range before forcing a red card for Lecce’s Jamil Siebert.

The Italian media have reacted to Nkunku’s display, with most outlets marvelling at his stunning goal – but still wondering just how on earth he missed his first-half chance.

Tuttomercatoweb rated Nkunku at a seven out of 10, stating, ‘A spectacular half-volley that turned the game around in the second half. The Frenchman got Siebert sent off and also hit the near post from close range.’

Eurosport added, ‘Hits the post with an empty net, misses another goal, and, well, it doesn’t seem to be his night. Then comes the gem that makes it 2-0: stylish, splendid,’ while rating him at seven out of 10 as well.

Calciomercato went with a 6.5 out of 10 rating, admitting that he was docked half a point for his first-half miss.

‘He has lightning-fast power in tight spaces, always leaving his opponent on the spot. He scored a dream goal on his San Siro debut as a starter with a half-bicycle kick, but was knocked off half a point for hitting the post with an empty net in the first half,’ they wrote.

Chelsea should not regret Christopher Nkunku sale

Nkunku appears to have made a positive impact early into his Milan career, and a fresh start in Italy may be just what he needed.

The 27-year-old was so good for RB Leipzig, but injuries and a lack of playing time at Chelsea mean his stock has fallen considerably in the last couple of years.

Chelsea are suffering problems in attack right now, with Nicolas Jackson on loan at Bayern Munich and Liam Delap out injured.

Some may wonder whether Chelsea should have kept Nkunku as another option in the final third, but that seems misguided.

Nkunku just didn’t fit in under Maresca, and a move away was the best step for all parties, rather than trying to jam Nkunku into Maresca’s plans.

Chelsea simply couldn’t wait any longer for Nkunku to show his best form, though few would be surprised to see him find it in Milan.