Ciro Polito praises Cisse as Milan’s Liberali choice fuels debate

Sporting director Ciro Polito contrasted the flourishing start of Alphadjo Cisse at Catanzaro with the mixed reactions to Milan’s handling of Mattia Liberali’s move, saying both stories illustrate how opportunity and principle shape careers.

Il direttore sportivo of Catanzaro, Ciro Polito, spoke exclusively to MilanNews.it about Alphadjo Cisse, the player who has become the focal point of this season’s opening at the club. He explained that Catanzaro has provided the right environment for Cisse to "take off". The interview also touched on Mattia Liberali, whose path has crossed with Cisse’s.

Cisse’s impact and potential

Polito described Cisse as “a quiet but at the same time friendly, awake” youngster who is well‑liked in the group and “serious”. He added that Cisse is “too strong” for him and that luck also plays a part in a player’s rise. The director recalled that Cisse suffered a major injury, which initially made him think the player had missed the train to Serie A.

Despite the setback, Polito said a great coach at Milan looked beyond the five‑month injury spell at Catanzaro, appreciated Cisse’s qualities and gave him a chance. He noted that he had to wait a month for administrative matters before securing the signing, yet he persisted because he knew Cisse was a strong player. Polito stressed that giving youngsters opportunities is essential, otherwise their potential remains unseen.

Lui highlighted Cisse’s shooting ability, saying that when he kicks at goal “he has everything”. He also praised Cisse’s ball control and first touch, insisting that the player deserves chances to showcase his talent. The director believes Cisse could make a significant impact in Serie A and especially for Milan.

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Liberali’s journey and Milan’s stance

Regarding Liberali, Polito recounted impressive moments such as a shoulder‑to‑goal strike that led to a decisive finish against Juventus, noting that “without even looking, it was shoulder to goal and he placed the ball on the line”. He praised Liberali’s stop‑and‑feint skills, saying opponents often “drop the leg” and never regain possession.

Polito called Liberali “veteran” and “extraordinary”, adding that he “makes everything easy” with talent and a great personality. He questioned whether Liberali suffered by playing at Milan, concluding that the player performs just as he did at Catanzaro.

On the move to Como, Polito said he does not know if it was right or wrong, but emphasised that Milan did everything to bring Liberali back. He argued the situation was more about how the player was treated previously and about principles. Polito believes time will decide whether Milan’s choice to keep both Liberali and Cisse as starters was justified.

Finally, Polito expressed pride that Cisse, Liberali and Fasavuli have reached top Italian clubs within seven‑to‑eight months, describing it as a “great thing for Italy” because they are young Italians showcasing their talent. He said the club continues to search for and nurture such players, seeing their success as a huge satisfaction.