AC Milan thrash Salzburg after Cisse’s hat-trick

AC Milan bounced back in the Europa League with an emphatic 4-0 victory over RB Salzburg at the Red Bull Arena, inspired by a hat-trick from Alphadjo Cisse. 

Ruben Amorim’s side dominated the encounter with effective transitions in attack and tactical discipline, though Filippo Terracciano’s late red card proved a setback.

Cisse opened the scoring in the 15th minute after an assist from Omari Hutchinson, whose pace caused problems for Salzburg’s defense. 

Milan continued to exploit spaces in the hosts’ backline, with Davide Bartesaghi setting up Cisse for his second goal in the 33rd minute to give the visitors a comfortable advantage at half-time.

The forward completed his hat-trick in the 49th minute, finishing a move created by Adrien Rabiot shortly after the restart. 

His movement and clinical finishing proved decisive as Salzburg struggled to contain Milan’s attacking threat. 

Cisse earned a perfect 10/10 rating, making him the standout player of the evening.

Milan added a fourth goal in the 72nd minute through substitute Goncalo Ramos, who finished calmly after receiving a pass from Ardon Jashari. 

Jashari and Rabiot controlled the midfield, while Strahinja Pavlovic impressed defensively against his former club. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan also made two saves to preserve Milan’s clean sheet.

Amorim’s tactical decision to deploy a 3-4-2-1 formation paid off, with Milan using the wide areas to stretch Salzburg and create scoring opportunities. 

Luka Modric helped the visitors manage the closing stages after coming off the bench, but Terracciano’s dismissal in the 84th minute left Milan with 10 men for the final minutes.

Despite the late red card, Milan comfortably secured the victory and gained renewed momentum in their European campaign. 

Cisse’s outstanding display, along with contributions from Ramos, Rabiot and Jashari, highlighted the team’s attacking depth.

Milan will now turn their attention to Atalanta in Serie A on October 18, while Salzburg prepare to face Altach in the Bundesliga on the same day.