Cisse: ‘Milan helping me to grow, Italy U21 create genuine bonds’
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Alphadjo Cisse of AC Milan passes the ball during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Alphadjo Cisse insists playing with Milan is ‘helping me to grow’ and the Italy Under-21 side is stronger because ‘we create genuine bonds’ between teammates.
The teenager turns 20 next month and has been a revelation at San Siro so far this season with two goals in four Serie A appearances.
He arrived over the summer and impressed coach Ruben Amorim in pre-season, enough to warrant a regular place in the senior side.
Now the forward hopes to carry that form and confidence to the Italy Under-21 side, where he made his debut in November 2025.
Cisse enjoying Milan and Italy form
“I am happy with how things are going, but I am trying to leave emotions aside so that I can be fully concentrated and give my best,” said Cisse in a press conference.
“Playing for Milan is really helping me to grow and I hope to carry everything I learned with me to international duty too. The squad here is special, you really do feel like you are at home. We spend a lot of time together, we create genuine bonds between players, and then that shows on the field.”
Italy are currently second in their qualifying group for the Under-21 European Championship, but face a trip to Armenia on Thursday, then go head-to-head with Poland on October 5.
“We have to win, there’s no two ways about it, and keep chasing qualification. The fact we can achieve that in front of our own fans in Pescara has to be even further motivation,” continued Cisse.
“We are enthusiastic to play in front of our supporters and hope many will be there to enjoy it with us.”
In order to prepare for those two matches, the Italy Under-21 side beat the Empoli Primavera youth side with a Cisse hat-trick in the 15-0 victory.
There will be another friendly test against the Spezia youth side tomorrow.
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