Who is Alphadjo Cisse, the youngest Italian to score a hat-trick in Europe?

AC Milan defeated Austrian side Salzburg 4-0 in a European match at the Red Bull Arena on October 15, 2026. The victory was highlighted by a stunning performance from Alphadjo Cisse, who scored three goals, becoming the youngest Italian ever to achieve a hat-trick in European competition. The win comes after a difficult period for the team, offering a much-needed boost ahead of their upcoming match against Atalanta. The match saw Milan make several changes to their lineup under coach Ruben Amorim, including debuts for players such as Camarda, Jashari, and Hutchinson. The team's attacking play was dominant throughout the game, with Cisse standing out as the star performer. His first goal came in the 20th minute following a cross from Bartesaghi, followed by two more strikes later in the match. The result was secured despite some defensive lapses by Salzburg, which allowed Milan to maintain control of the game. Salzburg had chances to score, notably through Tabakovic, but failed to capitalize on them. The home team’s defense struggled to contain Milan’s attacks, particularly from Hutchinson, whose efforts were often thwarted by the lack of support from teammates. Despite these challenges, the Salzburg defense made several mistakes, contributing to Milan’s ability to dominate possession and create scoring opportunities. In the second half, Milan continued their strong performance, with Rabiot assisting Cisse for his third goal. The match took a dramatic turn when defender Terracciano received a red card after fouling Schmid, leaving Salzburg down to ten men. This decision proved costly for the hosts, as Milan maintained pressure and eventually sealed the win. The final goal came from a mistake by Salzburg’s goalkeeper, allowing Hutchinson to set up the decisive strike. Alphadjo Cisse's performance has been widely praised, with Amorim expressing admiration for his maturity and potential. Cisse joined Milan from Hellas Verona in February 2026 and spent time on loan at Catanzaro before making his debut with the senior team. His return to fitness and subsequent rise in form have marked him as a key player for the club moving forward. The victory over Salzburg underscores Cisse's growing influence within the team and sets a positive tone for Milan's upcoming fixtures.