"I am very happy with Samuele because he has grown since he arrived. He is changing his physical structure, developing a stronger, better leg, like an important player. He is an intelligent player, very good tactically. He is growing tactically, physically, and technically. This should be the path for everyone." These were Massimiliano Allegri’s words at the press conference on the eve of Milan - Bologna anticipated what was later seen on the field Sunday evening, when the former Torino midfielder replaced Youssouf Fofana in the second half.
AC Milan’s new number 4 spent the summer as a starter in various friendlies, playing as a deep-lying playmaker in front of the defensive line, yet he has never started in the first four official matches in the Coppa Italia and Serie A. It was somewhat surprising, because his performances in the friendlies had convinced almost everyone. From the first drills at Milanello on the first day of training, wearing the orange vest, Samuele already seemed comfortable in his new environment.
Milan fans are definitely eager to see more from Samuele Ricci, the player who arrived quietly from Turin, with much potential and room for growth. The Rossoneri fans based in South Africa, in particular, could even be part of the action when the Italian talent takes the field thanks to an easy Betway app download. The platform offers them a secure and safe space to place bets on several leagues, including Serie A and AC Milan fixtures. The main benefit to using the app is that Betway offers a data free experience when using the app. This means you can place bets, use the live casino and enjoy other features, all data free.
Massimiliano Allegri decided not to throw him straight into the lineup. Instead, he preferred the immense class of Luka Modric and the physicality of Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Youssouf Fofana, and also newcomer Adrien Rabiot, who joined in the last day of the transfer market window, coming from Marseille. The competition, also awaiting the unlucky Ardon Jashari, is strong: with a Modric like this, it is hard to see the Croatian out of the starting eleven. A double playmaker setup could be considered, which would then allow Luka to operate higher up the pitch instead of being limited to starting possession, but former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has not deemed it the right move.
Samuele Ricci, according to his coach, is far from idle: when he played, he showed surprising dynamism and initiative. He was expected to be a static, positional playmaker, yet in these brief appearances he demonstrated other abilities. Allegri did not say so explicitly, only commenting on his legs and physical structure, but the question arises: is Samuele Ricci also evolving in his role? In summer interviews, the 2001-born midfielder said he could cover multiple positions in midfield. In this Milan, with many options in midfield, he could prove more useful than expected. Training with Luka Modric and Rabiot will only help him grow further. Against Lecce and Bologna, he entered the field with a proactive attitude and the right approach: Samuele wants to convince Allegri he deserves chances as a starter.
A deep dive into Ricci's profile
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A strong bond with his family:
Samuele Ricci is a young man who has built his path on solid, deeply rooted values. His relationship with family is central in his life: his sister Sara, mother Laura, and father Alessandro are irreplaceable points of reference. The number 28, which he has often worn in his career, is not random: it honors his father’s birthday, a sign of sincere and deep affection. This bond has accompanied him so far and will continue to inspire him in his new adventure at Milan.
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A University student with a level head:
Ricci is not only focused on football. He is enrolled in a Business Economics program, showing he is already thinking beyond the field. This detail reflects his maturity and desire to grow personally, investing in academic training to build a solid, well-rounded future.
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Cinema, music, and fashio: passions off the field:
When he is not training or playing, Ricci pursues several interests. He loves cinema, plays the guitar, and has a strong interest in fashion. This mix of creativity and taste makes him a modern profile, able to combine sport and culture, talent and style.
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Love for Africa; a traveling soul:
Ricci is also a curious and sensitive traveler. His favorite destinations include Africa, where he has spent several summers in Namibia, Kenya, Madagascar, and Uganda. He has a genuine interest in different cultures, stunning landscapes, and new life perspectives. These experiences have certainly shaped him deeply and enriched his personal profile.
- Ricci has chosen to wear the Milan shirt number 4:
The ex Torino man wears the number 4 shirt, an important number in the club’s history, which symbolizes balance, tactical intelligence, and midfield solidity. These are qualities the midfielder possesses and will now have the opportunity to display in front of the AC Milan fans.
