In today’s match against Arsenal, the first of the three friendlies scheduled for Milan during the Asia-Pacific tour, there will only be two new faces available to Massimiliano Allegri: one is the second goalkeeper Pietro Terracciano, the other is a candidate to be a starter both today, starting from 1:30 PM Italian time, and throughout the season — Samuele Ricci.
For the former Torino midfielder, this is his unofficial debut with the Rossoneri: he had played against Milan Futuro, but that test was behind closed doors and there was no chance to see him in action.
Today, Corriere dello Sport dedicates an article to him and headlines:
"Ricci, the playmaker is served."
And it also reads: "Allegri strongly wanted him, he’s counting on him, he trusts him." The ex Juventus head coach had specifically asked for midfielders capable of playing the ball, to bypass the first line of pressing: the choices of Ricci and Modric follow this logic.
Born in 2001, Ricci will be deployed today as a defensive midfielder and will have the chance to face, even if with the rhythm of July football, Declan Rice — someone who, in that role, currently represents the world elite.
