Alphadjo Cisse Becomes Youngest Italian to Hit European Hat-Trick in Milan Win

Cisse produced a landmark display as Milan swept Salzburg aside 4-0 in the UEFA Europa League, scoring three times to become the youngest Italian ever to register a hat-trick in a major European competition. The attacking midfielder was 19 years and 358 days old when he completed the feat.

Key takeaways

• Cisse broke a record that had stood since 1959, eclipsing Giancarlo Danova’s mark for Milan.
• He was Milan’s first scorer of three goals in one European match since Filippo Inzaghi in September 2002.
• The 19-year-old opened the scoring with a header, added a close-range finish and completed his treble after half-time.
• Substitute Goncalo Ramos struck Milan’s fourth goal against Salzburg.
• Cisse has scored twice in five Serie A outings this season after joining Milan permanently in the summer.

A record night for Milan’s emerging midfielder

Danova had previously been the youngest Italian to score a European hat-trick, doing so for Milan against Olympiacos at the age of 20 years and 309 days. Cisse has now taken that distinction by more than 10 months.

His treble also ended a long wait for a Milan player to score three in a European fixture. Inzaghi had been the last, with the former Italy forward hitting a Champions League hat-trick against Deportivo La Coruna in September 2002.

Cisse set Milan on their way with an early headed goal. He then converted from close range late in the first half to put the hosts two ahead, before firing in with his right foot shortly after the restart. Ramos came off the bench to complete the 4-0 result.

The midfielder said he was delighted by both the personal milestone and the team’s victory, adding that he intends to take the momentum into Milan’s next match.

Amorim urges continued development

Amorim praised Cisse’s talent and character while stressing that the teenager remains at an early stage of his development. The Milan coach said the player has earned his opportunities rather than owing them to the manager, describing his potential as enormous.

The Portuguese coach also identified physical improvement as an important next step for Cisse as he adjusts to elite senior football. Amorim said the midfielder can be explosive and has plenty of heart, but must continue to develop both on the training ground and during matches.

Cisse is in his first Milan campaign after signing in February and returning to second-tier Catanzaro on loan before joining the squad this summer. Alongside his two league goals in five Serie A appearances, he scored for Italy’s under-21 team against Armenia earlier this month.

The Salzburg victory offers Milan a lift after a demanding beginning to the season under Amorim. It also strengthens Cisse’s case for further involvement as the club manages a crowded programme, with an important Serie A meeting with Atalanta next on the immediate schedule.