Bournemouth mayor Roberto Rocca has expressed his pride in both the Cherries and AC Milan ahead of the club's historic Europa League campaign. The Milan-born mayor, who moved to the south coast in 2013, said supporting Bournemouth in their first European competition is a once-in-a-lifetime event for him. His comments come as the team, currently 15th in the Premier League with six points from seven games, looks to build on recent momentum.

Rocca stated his primary support lies with Bournemouth, the club he now calls his own. He feels great pride for both the Milanese team and Bournemouth, acknowledging the unique personal connection as the two sides prepare to meet in the Europa League. The mayor highlighted the achievement of a club that was in the fourth tier just two decades ago now competing on the continental stage.

Mayor's personal background

Roberto Rocca was born in Milan in October 1976 and has dual Italian and British citizenship. He served as a local councillor in Milan for 14 years before relocating to Bournemouth, where he was appointed mayor in May 2023. He represents Reform UK and has lived in the town for 13 years, describing it as his home and city. Rocca also noted the large Italian community that resides in Bournemouth.

Context for a European push

The mayor's comments come as Bournemouth build momentum for their European debut. The Cherries sit 15th in the Premier League with six points from seven games, having scored nine goals but conceded thirteen. Their recent form shows promise with three wins and two defeats from their last five outings. They head into the continental fixtures on a two-game winning run, following a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz where Francisco Evanilson, Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha, and Álvaro Rodríguez scored, and a 2-0 win against Sunderland where Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson found the net. Tavernier is the team's top scorer this season with four goals. Bournemouth will be looking to close the fifteen-point gap to the league leaders as they balance domestic and European commitments.

Rocca hopes Bournemouth can progress far in the Europa League, a sentiment shared by supporters eager to see their club make its mark.

The report in full is at Gazzetta dello Sport