14th September, 2017
Photo: BBC/Getty Image
Andre Silva scored a hat-trick as AC Milan began their Europa League campaign by thrashing Austria Vienna 5-1.
Silva was signed from Porto for £34m by Milan, who are competing in Europe for the first time in four years.
The Italians spent around £170m in the summer and new recruit Hakan Calhanoglu put them ahead with a thumping drive. Ex-Liverpool player Suso netted the fifth after Silva’s treble.
Defender Alexandar Borkovic powerfully headed in from a corner for Vienna.
Turkish midfielder Calhanoglu – bought for £22m from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen – ran the game for Vincenzo Montella’s side, providing two assists in addition to his goal.
BBC Sports reports that Milan host Udinese in Serie A on Sunday, after being thrashed 4-1 by Lazio in their last domestic outing.