Former England midfielder Dele Alli’s return to professional football ended in disappointment as he was sent off less than 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute for Como in their 2-1 Serie A defeat to AC Milan at the San Siro. The red card marked a frustrating end to Alli’s first competitive appearance in over two years.
Alli, 28, had not played since a loan spell with Besiktas from Everton ended in February 2023. He signed for Serie A debutants Como in January 2025 and had trained with the team for a month before being named as an unused substitute against Roma on March 2nd.
Como manager Cesc Fabregas introduced Alli in the 81st minute, replacing goalscorer Lucas da Cunha, with the score at 1-0 to Milan. However, Alli’s debut was cut short in second-half stoppage time when he was sent off for a rash challenge on Milan midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. Referee Matteo Marchetti initially issued a yellow card but upgraded it to a red after a VAR review, which showed Alli’s studs catching Loftus-Cheek’s leg. Even Milan defender, and Dele’s former teammate, Kyle Walker pleaded to the referee.
Lucas da Cunha had given Como a surprise lead before halftime. However, Milan responded in the second half with goals from Christian Pulisic and Tijani Reijnders.
Fabregas, who was also dismissed late in the game, was critical of Alli’s actions. “Dele Alli is a goal scorer. I tried to give him an opportunity,” Fabregas told DAZN. “A serious mistake by an experienced player. Clear red, he left the team at a time when it could have made it 2-2.”
In a widely publicized interview with Gary Neville in July 2023, Alli had spoken openly about his difficult childhood and struggles with mental health, including addiction to sleeping pills and alcohol. He had expressed a strong desire to return to professional football after receiving support.
The defeat leaves Como in 13th place in Serie A, six points above the relegation zone. AC Milan, meanwhile, are in seventh place. Alli’s brief and controversial debut raises questions about his readiness for a return to top-level football.