AC Milan manager, Paulo Fonseca breathed a sigh of relief after Samuel Chukwueze’s goal secured a nervy 1-0 win over Udinese in Saturday’s Serie A clash at the San Siro.

Fonseca has been under heavy scrutiny from both the media and fans due to Milan’s inconsistent start to the season.

The Referee Espen Eskas shows a yellow card in the direction of Paulo Fonseca during the UEFA Champions League match between AC Milan and Liverpool FC. (Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images)

The Rossoneri have lost four of their first nine matches across all competitions, prompting Fonseca to make bold changes to the lineup.

Key players Rafael Leão, Fikayo Tomori, and Tammy Abraham were dropped in favor of Chukwueze, Álvaro Morata, and Noah Okafor for the match against the Bianconeri.

The changes paid off early as Chukwueze put Milan ahead in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a well-placed assist from Christian Pulisic.

Fonseca, clearly relieved, stormed onto the pitch in celebration after the Nigerian winger’s decisive strike.

Chukwueze, who had not scored at San Siro since his summer move from Villarreal, was named Man of the Match.

He was substituted in the second half as Milan held on for the much-needed victory.