Alphadjo Cissé, the AC Milan striker who scored a hat-trick in the 4‑0 win against Red Bull Salzburg, has shown that he is ready for an important role at international level too. With his performance he earned the title of the youngest Italian footballer to score three or more goals in a single match of a major European competition. The former Under-21 player stated that he played as a centre-forward, despite having often been used as an attacking midfielder, and expressed satisfaction with the results obtained.
On 24 October, the day Cissé turns twenty, the player also consolidated his reputation with a decisive goal against Armenia, during a qualifying match for the Under-21 European Championship. Coach Silvio Baldini has already identified the youngster as a candidate for the next edition of the tournament, which will take place between June and July 2027. However, his evolution could accelerate thanks to an early call from Roberto Mancini, who has already considered including him in the senior national team starting from the next Nations League matches in November.
According to information gathered, Mancini had initially planned to give Cissé a taste of the game in September, but then left the player to coach Baldini for two decisive Under-21 matches. In November, the situation will change: Mancini could test the youngster against Belgium and France, before handing him back to Baldini for the crucial stages of the tournament. Cissé said he was "calm" and focused on Milan, but acknowledged that his development could lead him to represent Italy in the long term.
Cissé's path therefore seems to be divided into two phases: a first taste of national teams in November 2026, followed by a more stable involvement starting from September 2027, when the senior national team will have to face the qualifiers for the next international tournaments. If his form continues, his presence could be crucial for both the Under-21s and the senior team, especially considering the talent he demonstrated in the recent match against Armenia and his ability to score at key moments.
With Milan at the forefront of European competitions and the Italian national team looking to the future, Cissé finds himself in a position of great opportunity. His next step will be to consolidate his position within the club and take advantage of the playing opportunities that will be offered to him at international level. If he continues to produce results, his presence in the national team is likely to be almost inevitable, both in the short term and the long term.