Alphadjo Cisse is hoping to emulate his Italy icon Mario Balotelli, with the AC Milan youngster set to potentially make his senior international debut at San Siro this week.

Cisse was handed his first Azzurri call-up ahead of their Nations League fixtures versus France and Belgium, following a strong start to his time with the Rossoneri.  

He has scored eight goals in 13 appearances for Milan, who he joined in February before immediately heading back on loan to Serie B side Catanzaro for the remainder of 2025-26.

Only nine of those appearances have been starts, and he has played just 659 minutes in total, while no other Milan player has scored more than five goals in all competitions this term (Adrien Rabiot).

The 20-year-old spoke to reporters on Tuesday, two days out from a potential Azzurri debut, and he was asked who his Italy idol was.

He responded: "Without a doubt, I'd say Balotelli. He's always been a role model for me on the national team."

Balotelli scored 14 goals in 36 senior caps for his country, with the highlight of his Italy career being a memorable goal against Germany in the Euro 2012 semi-finals.

Liberali and Cisse speak following their call-ups  #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro https://t.co/yIbERrwv9Z

— Italy  (@Azzurri_En) November 10, 2026

If Roberto Mancini opts to use Cisse against France, his senior international bow would come at the home of his club, a moment he would relish. 

"The coach will make the decision. Returning to San Siro with the national team would be even more special," Cisse said. 

"I'm very ambitious, and playing for the national team is a source of pride. As I said before, I think I have broad shoulders. 

"Many players in the national team have been here a long time and have also won the European Championship. 

"I respect them, and we have to take things step by step. My first thought is to make my debut, and then we'll think about everything else later."

Italy have seven points on the board in Nations League Group A1 and would leapfrog France to go top with a win over Les Bleus, but even then, they may need a result against Belgium to ensure qualification for the quarter-finals.