There is one man who will be thoroughly torn in this evening’s Europa League match, as the Mayor of Bournemouth admits he is a Milan supporter. ‘May the best team win.’
It kicks off at the Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth at 20.00 UK time (21.00 CEST).
This is going to be the first ever competitive meeting between the two clubs, who have a very special bond going back to the 1970s, which is when Bournemouth started wearing red and black stripes in honour of Milan.
Bournemouth Mayor torn over Milan
ITALY – SEPTEMBER 20: Ruben Amorim, Manager of AC Milan, interacts with Christian Pulisic as he is substituted off during the Serie A match between AC Milan and US Lecce at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on September 20, 2026 in Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
It is also a tricky situation for Roberto Rocca, an Italian who was born and raised in Milan cheering on the Rossoneri, yet moved to England in 2013 and was elected Mayor of Bournemouth.
“I went to San Siro many times to watch the games, so I had a passion for Milan,” confessed Rocca to Sky Sport Italia.
When the Europa League draw was held and the Rossoneri were pitted against the Cherries, Rocca could hardly believe it.
“It is certainly an historic day and a unique opportunity in my life. It’s a combination of coincidences that can happen only once in life.
“Bournemouth is my city now. It welcomed me, gave me so many opportunities, including the chance to become their Mayor. So I will above all be cheering Bournemouth on, but obviously my heart will always be Milanista.”
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 15: Alvaro Rodriguez of Bournemouth celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between AFC Bournemouth and SK Sturm Graz at Bournemouth Stadium on October 15, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
So which result is he hoping for at the Vitality Stadium this evening?
“May the best team win, I hope it is a great game of football, and above all a wonderful evening. If there were goals on both sides, it’d be even better.”