The transfer window has been open for less than 72 hours, and AC Milan has already made its first move with the signing of Samuele Ricci from Torino. In a world driven by hype, rumors, and expertly inflated negotiations, the Rossoneri appear to have chosen a different path.
A clean-cut face—the kind of person who inspires trust at first glance. Ricci is the kind of signing that doesn’t scream “marketing” (though he could become one—Tonali taught us that much). He might not thrill fans instantly on X or Instagram, but he certainly makes coaches and sporting directors happy—those who operate rationally, without fantasy football-style delusions.
A low-profile player, yes. But with a high impact.
Samuele Ricci has been on Milan’s radar for several seasons and didn’t just land at Milanello by chance. The club waited for the right moment, exercised patience, and finally secured an Italian midfielder who is reliable, technical, and above all, functional. In recent years, Milan often patched up their UEFA squad list problems with last-minute fixes—now, at last, they’ve brought in a made-in-Italy player with everything it takes to succeed.
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A silent upgrade?
Samuele Ricci isn’t a flashy name, but he brings exactly what Milan’s midfield was missing: balance and tactical intelligence. The scouting report on the now-former Torino player? A modern playmaker, capable of playing in front of the defense but also adaptable as a box-to-box midfielder. Vision, technical precision, and maturity that grows with every season—qualities that may not go viral on social media but speak volumes on the pitch, especially in Serie A.
After years of experiments and forced midfield rotations, Ricci offers stability and, most importantly, identity. Italian, young (born in 2001), with over 120 Serie A appearances already, and experience gathered at both Empoli and Torino—he’s the kind of player who needs no long introductions: you put him on the field, and he gets the job done, as pointed out by those at Milan Press.
A smart signing for Milan, also financially.
AC Milan closed the deal with a sustainable investment, without overextending themselves. A strong signal at a time when decisions are too often driven by names that make noise rather than by what fits the tactical needs of Allegri’s system. With Ricci, The Rossoneri club has acquired both a technical and strategic asset—one that solves several problems (on the pitch and on the UEFA list) and, why not, opens the door to new tactical solutions.
A move that could work
With Samuele Ricci secured, there’s growing intent to add another midfielder to Milan’s squad, and all signs point to Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge. At first glance, Ricci’s signing looks like a smart move in a long transfer window where the key is not to show up in the final week of August gasping for breath.
What were Ricci's first words as a Rossonero?
Here's what he said to the club's official channels: "Hi Rossoneri fans, I’m super excited for this new adventure and I can’t wait to see you at San Siro. I’m feeling a lot of emotions, I’ve never been as nervous as I’ve been these past few days. I’ll do my best to repay Milan’s trust. Sending you all a hug and greeting. Forza Milan!”
What are Ricci's numbers with Torino in the 2024/2025 season?
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder, formerly of Empoli, featured in 36 appearances in the 2024/2025 campaign with Torino between Serie A and Coppa Italia. He played in total almost 3000 minutes. He contributed to the offensive department of his team with one goal and two assists, as pointed out by those at Transfermarkt.
Even AC Milan’s legendary ex midfielder, Demetrio Albertini, spoke highly of the newest AC Milan acquisition. Here are his words to the media at at the Menarini Fairplay Award in Florence:
"I like Ricci, and I hope he doesn’t see this transfer as a point of arrival, but rather as a starting point. As a great opportunity. Sometimes, when you join a big club, you think you’re already good enough. Instead, this move from Torino to Milan should be taken as a chance to compete for something even more important. I hope he plays all the cards he has."
