'I never thought I could score' - Teenager Alphadjo Cisse reacts to dream AC Milan debut goal

Cisse marked his Milan debut with a crucial opening goal in Sunday's 2-1 away victory over Torino. The 19-year-old was handed a starting berth by Amorim to deputise for the injured Leao. Collecting an incisive pass from Adrien Rabiot with his back to goal in the 65th minute, Cisse swivelled sharply before curling a delightful finish inside the far post.

Speaking to DAZN Italia after the final whistle, the young forward opened up on the emotions of a dream debut and securing all three points. Reflecting on his milestone goal and pre-match praise from his manager, Cisse said: "These are unique emotions, I never thought I could score on my debut for Milan, but I am above all happy that we got a victory. I can only be pleased with those words. I didn't watch the press conference, I was focused on preparing for the game, but my friends told me about it."

Detailing his path to the first team at Milanello, he added: "I believed in myself, I'd been training with the senior side for a while, then when I got injured I'd be there watching to get to know the coach, so it was easier to get involved."

The strike etched Cisse's name into the history books as the youngest Italian player (19 years, 305 days) to score a Serie A goal for Milan since Patrick Cutrone in August 2017. His clinical finish arrived moments before he was replaced by Alexis Saelemaekers, vindicating Amorim's bold call to trust youth in the absence of established stars.

Cisse's dream debut leaves Amorim with plenty to weigh up before welcoming Venezia to San Siro on Friday. While Leao's eventual return will ramp up competition out wide, the teenager has already proven he can deliver on the big stage. His sharpness in front of goal gives Milan valuable depth as they look to build early winning momentum.