During today’s press conference at Milanello, Massimiliano Allegri was asked about Samuele Ricci’s best position and the manager had a clear response.
So far this season, Ricci has made 20 appearances for Milan and he has had multiple positions. In the pre-season, he played as the deep-lying midfielder but after Luka Modric’s arrival, he has almost exclusively been used as a mezz’ala, i.e. as a midfielder on either side of the Croatian.
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The former Torino man had one of his best games for the Rossoneri last time out, almost getting a goal as well, and it was largely thanks to his position. As confirmed during his presser today, Allegri has a very clear idea of where the 24-year-old should play.
Did you like Ricci as a mezz’ala?
“As for Ricci, I’m very happy with how he’s developing; he’s a very intelligent player. Right now, the mezz’ala role suits him best; he’s able to move vertically and shoot on goal. Maybe in the future he could be an excellent defensive player, but right now that role suits him better.
It’s been suggested that Ricci could get the chance from start against Roma, keeping his spot to the right in midfield. Youssouf Fofana is the player he’s battling with and since the Frenchman hasn’t been in great form lately, the Italian should feel pretty confident.
In any case with Modrić being the far better regista, and Jashari showing promising signs in this position as well during the last game against Lecce, Ricci’s best chance for minutes (and thus development) is to play alongside Rabiot as a mezzala.
Couldn’t agree more. Don’t like Ricci as a regista. He just lacks verticality in his game
Allegri:
“Right now, the mezz’ala role suits him best; he’s able to move vertically and shoot on goal”
He doesn’t pass vertically
Fine by me if that sends Faffana to the bench.
Rabiot – Modric – Ricci
Jashari – Perrone or Casado – Fofana/Bondo
Our games are at worst when Modric is tired or unavailable… regista is a must. Barca are selling Casado for 30M and the Argentinian is also developing well under Fabregas (should be 25-30M). Bondo will also come post Cremonese loan in the summer.
after Modric retirement Comotto will be there to take the sub role from either of Perrone or Casado. We literally need 1 signing to be set in midfield for the next 5 years.
I wonder if you need a more defensive player to help cover for Modric. Just wondering.
if we buy Casado or Perrone, my faith will be restored in this management.
this summer mercato, plus Mike extension, plus potential arrival of Dragusin and on top a quality cover for Modric?! Tare and the management would deserve all of the praise
summer will need better cover for Alexis, Nkunku or Gimenez upgrade with Mateta or Vlahovic and that’s it
If we do need a wingback Alexander Arnold is up for sale I believe 🤣🤣🤣
bro hasn’t come to his sense after Kvara obliterated him in UCL couple of years ago lmao…
Dodo would be cheap but I don’t think he would settle for sub role. Norton-Cuffy, maybe?! but too much interest already. Dedic has also impressed at Benfica… it’s a bit tough to get a quality one under 20M
Allegri knows ball.
Ricci was never someone who could play as a regista.
Ricci has played one good game so far…hopefully more to come.
Allegri will probably start using Pavlovic at striker, so he can showhorn more defensive players into the team