Ruben Amorim hails record-breaker Alphadjo Cissè after Europa League hat-trick
Alphadjo Cissè became the youngest Italian to score a European hat-trick as AC Milan defeated RB Salzburg 4-0.
In a historic display during AC Milan's 4-0 win over RB Salzburg, 19-year-old midfielder Alphadjo Cissè cemented his place in Italian football record books. By netting three times, he became the youngest Italian player ever to score a hat-trick in a major European competition.
This performance saw him surpass a record held by Giancarlo Danova since 1959. Additionally, Cissè became the first Milan player to register a European hat-trick since Filippo Inzaghi achieved the feat against Deportivo La Coruna in 2002.
"My credit? He owes me nothing and deserves the space he's getting. He can be explosive, he still needs to improve physically, so to speak, but he has a lot of heart. He still has to improve in training and in the game, but tonight, all the best goes to him. His hat-trick is extraordinary, and he has enormous potential," — Ruben Amorim.
Milan manager Ruben Amorim praised the youngster's impact while maintaining a measured view on his long-term development. He highlighted the physical demands of top-level football as the next area for the midfielder to focus on. Cissè, who joined the club this summer, has already made an impression in Serie A and for Italy's under-21 side.
The emphatic victory provides a much-needed boost for Milan following an inconsistent start to the campaign. With the team now preparing for a challenging Serie A clash against Atalanta, Cissè's performance has certainly given Amorim a positive selection dilemma.