Samuele Ricci, the Rossoneri midfielder, spoke to the microphones of SportMediaset’s reporters ahead of the hugely important Derby della Madonnina between Milan and Inter, set for the next league round on Sunday, March 8 at 8:45 pm CET at San Siro. The Milan holding midfielder discussed the standings, the team’s objectives, his relationship with Max Allegri, and a bit about his life off the pitch. Below are the player’s statements.
What do you look at in the standings?
“We’re definitely focused on our objective, which is bringing the club back to the Champions League. We said that back in July. At the moment we’re in a good position, even though in the past we dropped points that we could have avoided losing. We currently have a solid advantage, but it’s not over yet and we still need many more points to qualify for the Champions League.”
But is the dream of winning the Scudetto still there?
“Yes, the dream is always there. Football is fueled by dreams. Right now, as I said, we’re focused on the match. It’s still a derby and it has to be approached perfectly. Against them, you need a flawless performance.”
Would Allegri like to gradually turn you into a deep lying playmaker?
“I don’t know, you should ask him. I think he currently sees me as a mezzala, which also fits what the team needs. As holding midfielders there are Luka and Jashari, who are both doing very well. In any case it’s all the same to me. I just want to play and step onto the pitch to contribute to the team.”
Has being from Tuscany helped your understanding with Allegri?
“Yes. We share the same sense of humor and the same way of joking. We always have a punchline ready, even with the staff because there are other Tuscans there too. I have to say I found an excellent staff in every respect and we have a lot of fun. Of course, when it’s time to focus on the match, we focus on the match," said Ricci.
A derby at home too: your partner, journalist Eleonora Incardona, supports Inter?
“No, now she supports me,” he laughed. “I don’t know if she supported the other side in the past. But now she’s on my side.”
On his relationship…
“We try to talk as little as possible about work. She also has a rather unique job. She’s often away and travels a lot to cover matches, and she also hosts studio programs. Still, they are two jobs that fit together well even in terms of free time, and that works in our favor.”
You’re preparing a thesis in business administration. Should we call you Doctor Ricci?
“No, come on, what doctor,” he laughed. “Always Samuele Ricci. Studying is something I have always tried to keep up with. My family has always put education first and then everything else, especially when I was younger. Now I’m independent, but education remains an important part of my life.”
Do you still play the guitar?
“I’ve eased off a bit lately, but in the past I used to strum. I took a few lessons just for fun and mainly to try something new. I still remember a little.”
