Teenage Cisse’s debut goal rescues Milan in season opener
Teenage Alphadjo Cisse stunned the Rossoneri by scoring on his AC Milan debut as the club edged Torino 2‑1 at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino on August 23, 2026, earning immediate praise from Coach Ruben Amorim in a tightly contested Serie A season opener that saw the Portuguese forward Rafael Leao sidelined.
Opening night expectations
The Rossoneri have been preparing for life without Rafael Leao, the Portugal international who is currently injured, and therefore looked to teenage Alphadjo Cisse to start in tonight’s Serie A season opener against Torino. The decision reflected Milan’s need to replace the creative spark that Leao normally provides.
Cisse’s decisive impact
Starting Cisse proved a masterstroke when he scored the goal that broke the deadlock just moments before he was due to be substituted. Adrien Rabiot supplied the decisive assist, and the celebration for Milan,’ fans erupted as the youngster marked his first appearance.
Rabiot then found the net himself, adding a second goal for the Rossoneri and extending their lead. His strike came shortly after his assist, cementing Milan’s control of the match.
Torino fought back in stoppage time, with Che Adams pulling one back to make it 2‑1. The late goal offered a brief glimpse of a comeback, but the visitors could not find an equaliser.
The final whistle confirmed a 2‑1 victory for AC Milan, a result that saw Cisse win over Coach Ruben Amorim with his debut goal. The win gave the Rossoneri three points in their opening Serie A fixture.
“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,” Cisse told Italia after the match. His words highlighted the personal significance of the moment.
Amorim had said in the previous day’s press conference that he ‘loves’ Cisse when asked which player impressed him in the Milan squad. Cisse replied, “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.” He also clarified that his name does not carry an accent and explained how training with the senior side at Milanello helped him get involved after an injury.