Cisse: ‘Milan hat-trick takes a back seat, the most important thing was to win’
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA - OCTOBER 15: Abubakr Barry of FC Red Bull Salzburg is challenged by Alphadjo Cisse of AC Milan during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between FC Salzburg and AC Milan at Stadion Salzburg on October 15, 2026 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Jasmin Walter/Getty Images)
19-year-old Alphadjo Cisse says that he is more pleased with Milan’s 4-0 victory against RB Salzburg in the Europa League on Thursday night than he was with his match-winning hat-trick: ‘The most important thing today was to win, we’re very happy’.
Cisse became the youngest Italian player to score a hat-trick in a major European competition with his three goals, all of which came before the 50th minute, in an eventual 4-0 win over RB Salzburg in Austria on Thursday evening.
It was a perfect hat-trick, too: One off his left, one off his right and one off his head.
Cisse reacts after his hat-trick in RB Salzburg 0-4 Milan
This was the first hat-trick of Cisse’s professional career and the first scored by a Milan player in Europe since Pippo Inzaghi all the way back in October 2002. Still, he insists that the collective result is more important than the individual.
“It’s something that takes a back seat, the most important thing today was to win and we’re very happy,” Cisse told Sky after full-time on Thursday.
The 19-year-old was playing in Serie B just a few months ago and is now scoring hat-tricks in the Europa League and is being tipped as a serious contender to be included in the next Italy national team squad.
He insists there has been no secret recipe behind his rise to the top: “Whatever the coach says is a boost for me. My teammates have helped to welcome me really well and that makes things easier on the pitch.”
Cisse is proving a real handful in the penalty area, but has played most of his youth football as an attacking midfielder. He feels he has the ability to thrive in either role.
“That’s what my movement is like, even if I’ve played as an attacking midfielder in the past. I’ve also played as a striker with the national team. These are games that I will carry with me for a long time. I’m really happy with the goals.”
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