AC Milan delivered a commanding 4-0 away victory over Red Bull Salzburg in the second round of the Europa League, giving 12BSports fans another exciting young talent to watch as 19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse produced a sensational hat-trick. The Italian prospect has now scored six goals in his last eight appearances, including strikes against Manchester United and Juventus. For a player who arrived at Milan for just €8 million, his remarkable emergence already looks like an outstanding piece of transfer business.
Milan dominated the attacking statistics, registering 15 shots, 10 efforts on target and seven clear-cut scoring opportunities. Cisse opened the scoring in the 15th minute, rising to meet a cross from Omari Hutchinson and directing a header into the net. His second arrived in the 32nd minute after an excellent team move, with Davide Bartesaghi delivering a low cross for the youngster to finish from close range. Just four minutes after halftime, Adrien Rabiot squared the ball across goal, allowing Cisse to complete his hat-trick. Substitute Goncalo Ramos added the fourth in the 72nd minute to seal an emphatic victory.
Despite Filippo Terracciano receiving a red card for a foul in the 83rd minute, Milan comfortably secured their first Europa League victory of the season. Cisse played just 60 minutes but made every opportunity count, scoring three times from four shots, all of which were on target. His extraordinary efficiency made him the undisputed star of the match.
The performance also delivered three remarkable milestones. At 19 years and 358 days old, Cisse became the youngest player in AC Milan history to score twice in the first half of a European match. He also became the youngest Italian footballer to register a hat-trick in European competition. Furthermore, he was the first Milan player to score three goals in a single match since Olivier Giroud achieved the feat in May 2023. Such achievements underline why Cisse is rapidly becoming one of the most exciting emerging forwards in Italian football.
Cisse developed through the Hellas Verona youth academy before joining AC Milan during the winter transfer window for €8 million. He was subsequently loaned to Serie B club Catanzaro before returning to Milan this summer. His impressive development has already attracted considerable attention beyond the 12BSports football audience, particularly after he scored against Manchester United in a preseason friendly. Across seven competitive appearances this season, he has scored five goals for Milan.
The young Italian possesses excellent movement, sharp finishing instincts and an exceptional ability to recognize scoring opportunities. His intelligent positioning and clinical finishing bring back memories of legendary Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi. Head coach Ruben Amorim praised Cisse following the Salzburg victory, highlighting his strong work ethic and willingness to work hard for the team. Interestingly, Amorim also suggested that the teenager had produced even better performances in previous matches, indicating that his impressive hat-trick might not represent his highest level.
Cisse currently leads Milan in goals this season, making him a player the club should prioritize for long-term development. By comparison, €74 million signing Goncalo Ramos has managed only two goals in competitive appearances, leaving him well behind the younger forward in scoring efficiency. Cisse can operate both as a central striker and a supporting forward, offering greater tactical flexibility in Milan’s attacking lineup.
For the wider 12BSports football audience, the contrast between these two forwards highlights an increasingly important selection question for Milan. If Ramos continues to struggle or his presence restricts the development of Cisse, the coaching staff should seriously consider giving the teenager a regular starting position. With his intelligent movement, natural scoring ability and impressive maturity, Cisse appears to possess greater long-term potential. Milan may have discovered a genuine bargain, and giving him sufficient opportunities could prove far more valuable than relying solely on expensive signings.