Bournemouth Mayor Justin Rocca Reveals Divided Loyalties Ahead of AC Milan Europa League Clash

FolioPitch.com – 22 October 2026 | In an exclusive interview with BBC Radio, the Mayor of Bournemouth, Roberto Rocca, has spoken candidly about his divided loyalties ahead of the historic Europa League match between Bournemouth and AC Milan. As the first Italian-born mayor of the seaside town, Rocca admitted that Bournemouth s mayor admits he shares love between Milan and Bournemouth I feel great pride, encapsulating the unique position he finds himself in as two of his beloved cities prepare to go head-to-head on the European stage.

Rocca, who was born in Milan and moved to Bournemouth in 2013, was appointed mayor in May. His story is one of dual identity, and he embraces it wholeheartedly. “My family will probably support AC Milan, but I feel great pride for both the Milanese team and Bournemouth,” he told BBC Radio. “Bournemouth is my home now, my city, and so I support Bournemouth above all else. I hope Rose’s team can progress in the Europa League this year.”

The match marks a monumental occasion for Bournemouth, who have risen from the fourth tier of English football to European competition in just 20 years. For AC Milan, however, the fixture carries a different weight. Two decades ago, the Rossoneri were finishing third in Serie A and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, with Andriy Shevchenko scoring 28 goals in all competitions. Last season was seen as another failure to achieve, and their presence in the Europa League is a consequence of that underperformance.

Yet, for Rocca, the game transcends footballing fortunes. “An event like this is a once-in-a-lifetime event, both for Bournemouth, which hosts AC Milan, and for me, as I hold the office of mayor, just as the team is playing in a European competition for the first time in its history,” he said. The mayor also highlighted the strong Italian community in Bournemouth, noting that “there is a large Italian community that lives here because Bournemouth is a wonderful place to live.”

The links between the two clubs extend beyond the mayor. Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert recently spoke about his relationship with Milan, forged through his father and previous encounters with the club. Additionally, both teams share the same colours, adding another layer of connection to the fixture.

As the town prepares for the historic visit of the seven-time European champions, Rocca’s sentiments resonate with many residents who have Italian heritage or connections to Milan. The mayor’s ability to bridge two cultures is a testament to the global nature of football and the personal stories that intertwine with the beautiful game.

Once again, Bournemouth s mayor admits he shares love between Milan and Bournemouth I feel great pride, and his words capture the essence of a night that will be remembered for years to come. For Rocca, the match is not just about football; it is about celebrating the bond between two cities and the community that has welcomed him with open arms.

In conclusion, as Bournemouth and AC Milan take to the pitch, the mayor’s dual allegiance serves as a reminder that football can unite as much as it divides. Roberto Rocca’s story is one of passion, pride, and the beautiful game’s power to create connections across borders. Bournemouth s mayor admits he shares love between Milan and Bournemouth I feel great pride, and in doing so, he speaks for many who call both places home.