Milan’s Cisse out to emulate Italy icon Balotelli

Alphadjo Cisse is intending to replicate his Italy icon Mario Balotelli, with the air conditioning Milan child set to possibly make his senior global launching at San Siro today.

Cisse was handed his very first Azzurri call-up ahead of their Nations League components versus France and Belgium, following a strong start to his time with the Rossoneri.

He has actually scored 8 objectives in 13 looks for Milan, who he participated in February before instantly heading back on loan to Serie B side Catanzaro for the rest of 2025-26.

Just 9 of those looks have actually been starts, and he has actually played simply 659 minutes in overall, while no other Milan gamer has actually scored more than 5 objectives in all competitors this term (Adrien Rabiot).

The 20-year-old spoke with press reporters on Tuesday, 2 days out of a prospective Azzurri launching, and he was asked who his Italy idol was.

He reacted: “Without a doubt, I’d say Balotelli. He’s always been a role model for me on the national team.”

Balotelli scored 14 objectives in 36 senior caps for his nation, with the emphasize of his Italy profession being an unforgettable objective versus Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Liberali and Cisse speak following their call-ups #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro https://t.co/yIbERrwv9Z
— Italy(@Azzurri_En) November 10, 2026

If Roberto Mancini chooses to utilize Cisse versus France, his senior global bow would come at the home of his club, a minute he would delight in.

“The coach will make the decision. Returning to San Siro with the national team would be even more special,” Cisse stated.

“I’m extremely enthusiastic, and betting the nationwide group gives pride. As I stated previously, I believe I have broad shoulders.

“Many gamers in the nationwide group have actually been here a long period of time and have actually likewise won the European Championship.

“I respect them, and we have to take things step by step. My first thought is to make my debut, and then we’ll think about everything else later.”

Italy have 7 points on the board in Nations League Group A1 and would leapfrog France to go leading with a win over Les Bleus, however even then, they might require an outcome versus Belgium to make sure credentials for the quarter-finals.