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AC Milan led a string of more sensible Italian clubs that saw Rocco Vata score a hat-trick for the Irish Under-21 team.
The Rossoneri had scouts in the match against Serie A rivals Bologna and Atalanta. The Celtic striker was inspired by scoring a second-half hat-trick in Ireland’s convincing 7-0 win over U21 San Marino. The Hoops youngster is out of contract this summer and may sign for around £400,000 in education allowance.
AC Milan have already travelled to the Irish transfer window to sign Cathal Andrews before promoting him to Newcastle United. Ireland remains interested in Italian clubs as they are still part of the European Union, with players such as Kevin Zefi in Rome and Senan Mullen in Turin. Celtic are still in talks about a new deal and have presented an extension until the summer of 2027.
Vata is already attracting interest from Italian clubs. Bologna and Serie B, Sampdoria and Como, are long-time fans and have already expressed interest.
The 18-year-old is also wanted through Watford. The English league, as well as several Italian groups, are in talks with Vata’s agent, CAA Base, about a possible summer transfer. Aberdeen midfielder Killian Phillips, on loan from Crystal Palace, also left the Ireland Under-21 bench at San Marino on Friday night.