Milan’s home debut at San Siro against Venezia could definitively establish Alphadjo Cissé as a rising star. The Italian attacking midfielder, born in 2006 and signed by the Rossoneri during the last winter transfer window, is in contention for a starting spot in the early kick-off of the second round of Serie A 2026-27. Portuguese coach Rúben Amorim has been impressed by the youngster’s impact, following his outstanding performance in the season opener against Torino.
From Hellas Verona to Catanzaro: The figures behind Milan’s signing
The club’s management made a forward-looking investment in the 2006-born player, securing his registration from Hellas Verona in a deal worth €10 million in total, consisting of €8 million in fixed fees and €2 million in bonuses. Cissé was left on loan at Serie B side Catanzaro to continue his development, where he recorded six goals and one assist in 22 appearances before a serious muscle injury forced him to spend time on the sidelines from February to June. His hard work during the summer recovery period allowed him to arrive at Milanello in excellent physical condition.
The goal against Torino and his tactical development in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1
Surprisingly named in the starting XI against Torino, the attacking midfielder of Guinean descent repaid the coaching staff’s faith by scoring a superb goal from an Adrien Rabiot assist. In Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, Cissé’s qualities provide unpredictability between the lines and pace during attacking transitions. According to today’s edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport, the coach intends to start him against Venezia in order to take advantage of his exceptional physical and mental form.
Managing Pulisic and Leão ahead of the San Siro debut
Cissé’s potential starting role comes within the broader context of strategically managing the Rossoneri squad. With Christian Pulisic still working towards full fitness and Rafael Leão’s future at the centre of intense transfer negotiations with Galatasaray, the former Verona youngster represents an absolute technical certainty, as pointed out via PianetaMilan. The San Siro crowd is eagerly awaiting another strong performance from a player who, according to those within the game, is handling the pressure of top-flight football with the same naturalness and carefree attitude he displayed in youth competitions.
