Italian mayor backs Bournemouth in AC Milan Europa League tie

Summarised from BBC Dorset's report · Updated 21 Oct, 08:14 · Archive

Bournemouth mayor Roberto Rocca, originally from Milan, will support the Cherries against AC Milan in a Europa League match on Thursday.

Bournemouth mayor Roberto Rocca, who moved from Milan to the town 13 years ago, has said his primary allegiance will be with AFC Bournemouth when they face AC Milan in Thursday's Europa League game, despite his family supporting the Italian club. Rocca told BBC Radio Solent the fixture is a 'fantastic opportunity' for Bournemouth and described it as a once-in-a-lifetime event for the club to host such opposition in European competition.

Rocca said: 'My heart now is mainly for Bournemouth.' He added that whilst proud of Milan, 'Bournemouth is my home and my town so I will be the majority for Bournemouth.' He expressed hope that 'the best can win and can progress' in the European league this year.

Read the report

• Italian mayor supports Cherries for AC Milan gameRoberto Rocca says, despite his family supporting AC Milan, he will be supporting Bournemouth.BBC Dorset · 21 Oct, 06:08

In this story: Roberto Rocca · AFC Bournemouth · AC Milan · Bournemouth · Milan

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