Former Cisse Coach Praises Milan Starlet: ‘He Does What Others Don’t’

Paolo Sammarco, who previously coached Milan's rising star Alphadjo Cisse at Hellas Verona, has expressed his admiration for the young player's development, particularly after Cisse scored against Juventus.

Cisse has rapidly become a notable young talent in Italian football, with his senior-level performances drawing increasing attention. His recent goal against Juventus further validated the potential that Sammarco and his former coaching staff recognized years ago.

Sammarco, who coached both Verona's senior and Primavera teams, credits Cisse's advancement primarily to the player himself, despite the support he received during his formative years in Verona.

“I am proud and extremely happy because he is a boy who deserves it,” Sammarco told Radio Sportiva. “We merely helped nurture the talent we saw at Verona. Myself, the staff, and director Margiotta played our part, but ultimately, it's all down to him.”

Sammarco also acknowledged the crucial role of Alberto Aquilani, who worked with Cisse at Catanzaro and was instrumental in bringing him to the club, having known the youngster previously.

“Aquilani at Catanzaro, who knew him and strongly desired him, also managed to bring out the talent we had all recognized,” Sammarco added.

Sammarco: ‘Cisse Possesses Unique Abilities’

According to Sammarco, Cisse's knack for anticipating plays on the field was evident even during his time at Verona. His technical skill was complemented by a remarkable physical presence.

“Cisse does things that others don’t,” he explained.

“That’s what Alpha always did. He foresaw passes and movements much earlier than his peers, and this was combined with physical strength and technique. The difference compared to his teammates was quite clear. Even when he trained with the first team, he performed exceptionally well during those sessions as well.”

These qualities are now starting to shine on the biggest stages, with Cisse demonstrating that the talent identified in his youth can make a significant impact in senior football.

Sammarco is delighted to witness his former charge taking this significant step and believes Cisse's recent performances are proof that his youthful promise was genuine.

“We are happy, and I am personally happy that he is proving it at the highest levels,” he concluded.

English Translation:

Paolo Sammarco, who previously coached Milan's emerging talent Alphadjo Cisse at Hellas Verona, has lauded the teenager's rapid progress, especially after Cisse found the net against Juventus. Sammarco recalled the exceptional qualities that set Cisse apart during his time at Verona.

Cisse has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting young prospects in Italian football, with his performances capturing increasing attention at the senior level. His latest goal, scored against Juventus, further underscores the potential that Sammarco and his former coaching colleagues identified several years ago.

Sammarco, who formerly coached both Verona’s first team and youth academy (Primavera), believes Cisse’s development is ultimately a testament to the player’s own dedication, despite the support he received during his formative years in Verona.

“I am proud and extremely happy because he is a boy who deserves it,” Sammarco stated to Radio Sportiva, as reported by TuttoMercatoWeb. “We simply helped to foster the talent that we spotted at Verona. Myself, the staff, and director Margiotta did our part, but in the end, it’s all down to him.”

Sammarco also highlighted the contribution of Alberto Aquilani, who worked with Cisse at Catanzaro, having previously known the youngster and actively pursued his transfer.

“Aquilani at Catanzaro, who knew him and strongly advocated for him, also succeeded in bringing out the talent that we had all seen,” Sammarco added.

Sammarco: ‘Cisse Possesses Unique Abilities’

For Sammarco, Cisse's ability to anticipate game situations was already apparent during his tenure at Verona. His technical prowess was complemented by an impressive physical presence.

“Cisse does things that others don’t,” he explained.

“That is what Alpha consistently did. He saw passing lanes and movements much earlier than others, and all of this was combined with physical strength and technique. The difference compared to his teammates was quite evident. Even when he trained with the first team, he performed exceptionally well in training sessions as well.”

These standout qualities have now begun to translate onto the biggest stages, with Cisse demonstrating that the potential identified during his formative years can indeed make an impact in senior football.

Sammarco is delighted to see his former protégé taking this next crucial step and believes his recent performances confirm the authenticity of the qualities he displayed as a youngster.

“We are happy, and I am personally happy that he is proving himself at the very highest levels,” he concluded.