AC Milan officially completed their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window on Thursday, landing Samuele Ricci from Torino.
Ricci arrived in the morning to begin his routine medical examinations, and by the evening he was leaving Casa Milan having signed his contract, giving a ‘Forza Milan’ to the journalists waiting for him outside.
The official announcement then followed from the club later in the evening, confirming that he has been signed on a four year deal with an option for a fifth year that is in the club’s favour. It was also confirmed that he will wear the No.4 shirt.
Fabrizio Romano tweeted the terms of the deal on Saturday afternoon: it will be a total package of €25m, which is broken down into a €23m fixed amount and then the rest in add-ons. So, what can Milan fans expect from the new midfield addition?
Back story
Ricci was born on 21 August 2001 in the small town of Pontedera, which is not too far from Pisa. When he was around 10 years of age he joined the youth academy of Empoli, who are also in the region of Tuscany.
He came through the Empoli youth set-up, playing at the various levels before joining up with the Primavera side ahead of the 2018–19 season. At that time he was still only 17 years of age, so it showed how highly rated he was by the Azzurri Empolesi.
The Italian was called up to the senior squad for the first time in April 2019 towards the end of that season but was an unused substitute. Then, in September 2019, he did make his first-team debut for Empoli at the age of 18, replacing Leo Štulac in a 1–0 win against Cittadella.
Head coach Alessio Dionisi took a shine to him and began starting him as a mezzala (box-to-box midfielder) in a three-man midfield. In the January of the 2020-21 season, Ricci scored his first goal as a professional in a 5–0 victory against Salernitana.
Empoli won Serie B that season, and Ricci even scooped the Manlio Scopigno award as the best player in the league. He amassed two goals and four assists, and by this point he was on the radar of clubs in the top flight.
After starting the 2021-22 season with the Tuscan club, Ricci was sold to Torino on a loan with a conditional obligation to buy in the winter window. However, he wasn’t an instant starter and made 12 appearances in the second half of the campaign, with most off the bench.
On 28 January 2023, he scored his first goal for Torino, and it came away from home at the Stadio Carlo Castellani against Empoli, the side that he grew up with.
In the 2023-24 season Ricci amassed one goal and two assists in the league, while in the one that has just finished he got a goal and an assist. It is perhaps a reflection of the fact he started taking up a deeper role as a regista, but more on that to come.
In terms of his international exploits, Ricci was first called up to the Italy U17 team in December 2017 for a friendly against France. He would go on to appear at U18, U19 and U21 level between 2018 and 2023, becoming a mainstay with the latter in particular (making 17 appearances).
Ricci was selected in the senior Azzurri squad for the first time ahead of the 2022 ‘Finalissima’ (European Championship winner versus Copa America winner) against Argentina on 1 June 2022. He got a UEFA Nations League group stage call-up, debuting on 4 June against Germany.
He has earned ten caps to date, and many tip him to be a mainstay of the Italy midfield for years to come, especially if he can take a leap forward in his career by joining Milan.
Strengths and weaknesses
The first important thing to outline is that Ricci is not a Tijjani Reijnders replacement, but he could be exactly what the midfield is missing and is part of an overall rebuild that Massimiliano Allegri wants to add balance to the department.
Ricci is Torino and Italy’s press-resistant outlet. He does not play Pirlo-like Hollywood passes (even if he is his idol), but rather prioritises smart, safe circulation of the ball.
Here we can see Ricci positioning himself at a nice angle to receive the ball from his defender and play a safe pass back to the defender on the other side of the pitch.
🎥 BUILD-UP PHASE
Ricci is Torino & Italy’s press-resistant outlet.
Not Pirlo-like Hollywood passes—but smart, safe circulation.
Here we can see Ricci positioning himself at a nice angle to receive the ball from his defender and play a safe pass back to the defender on the… pic.twitter.com/8JIE8fsr4B
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Torino and Italy use Ricci as their focal point to build up out of the press. Again, this doesn’t mean pinging long balls 50 yards first time, but even playing safe passes and not losing the ball to the opposition can also be a great way. Here are some examples.
Below we can see Ricci positioning himself at a nice angle to receive the ball from his defender and play a safe pass back to the defender on the other side of the pitch.
In this situation, you can see how Ricci sits back into the back three while Lazio are in a mid-block. He gets on the ball and scans his options, and he can see how he has a square passing option in Vojvoda (27), but decides to chip the ball to Lazzaro, which stretches Lazio’s compact defence and opens space for Tameze’s run.
In this situation, you can see how Ricci sits back into the back 3 while Lazio are in a mid-block. He gets on the ball and scans his options, and he can see how he has a square passing option in Vojvoda (27), but decides to chip the ball to Lazzaro, which stretches Lazio’s… pic.twitter.com/AMGsZlN3Qo
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Ricci, in this sequence, angles himself in a way that he is away from the cover shadows of the German defenders and is in space to receive the ball from his centre-back. And while he will receive the pass, he draws his marker with him, creating space in the centre for Barella to do a one-two with Daniel Maldini.
Ricci, in this sequence, angles himself in a way that he is away from the cover shadows of the German defenders and is in space to receive the ball from his CB. And while he will receive the pass, he draws his marker with him, creating space in the centre for Barella to do a… pic.twitter.com/HLZOsNapth
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Sometimes he doesn’t even have the ball at his feet to progress. Here we can see that Barella tries to progress the ball but is marked by Musiala. Barella passes back to Gatti. Ricci acts as a block in front of Mittlesladt to prevent him from tackling Gatti and draws Musiala in to give space for Gatti to pass back to Barella.
Sometimes he doesn’t even have the ball at his feet to progress. Here we can see that Barella tries to progress the ball but is marked by Musiala. Barella passes back to Gatti. Ricci acts as a block in front of Mittlesladt to prevent him from tackling Gatti and draws Musiala in… pic.twitter.com/BA8LkeF38d
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Ricci also pulls his marker closer towards him by taking small touches, which keeps the ball close to him, but passing angles open up like this particular sequence.
Ricci also pulls his marker closer towards him by taking small touches, which keeps the ball close to him, but passing angles open up like this particular sequence. pic.twitter.com/izkXZv96gW
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
When Ricci plays higher up the pitch, he tries to stretch the opposition press and make space for his team-mates to play through the wide areas.
When he gets into space higher up the pitch he tends to dribble into space like this particular sequence against Inter.
If playing through a particular flank is difficult, then it is up to Ricci to switch the ball to the other flank.
In terms of his physical profile, despite standing only 1.8m, he’s remarkably sturdy and difficult to dispossess. He uses his body effectively as a shield between opponents and the ball.
He also possesses exceptional acceleration whichwas crucial for tracking back when Torino’s press is beaten.
💪 PHYSICAL PROFILE
– Physical strengths of Samuele Ricci:
– Despite standing only 1.8m, he’s remarkably sturdy and difficult to dispossess
– Uses his body effectively as a shield between opponents and the ball
– Possesses exceptional acceleration – crucial for tracking back… pic.twitter.com/ECEx2tRSVN— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Being more of a screening midfielder sitting in front of the defence, the player must have a high duel success rate. Ricci, as mentioned above, uses his stout frame to win balls back from the opposition players and prevent danger.
His speed allows him to track back in case of transitions and snuff out any danger from the opposition.
Also, Ricci is a very good study of the game. He can read moves of the opposition in advance, as you can see here how he stops Mkhitaryan going through on goal despite Inter’s third man combination.
The 24-year-old also possesses awareness and vision, which are crucial for playing a deeper role. Ricci’s elite spatial awareness allows him to consistently track teammates’ and opponents’ positions.
His regular scanning of surroundings provides crucial tactical information before receiving the ball. The ex-Empoli man is also exceptional at identifying and exploiting passing lanes through defensive structures
Then, there is his intelligent positioning. Ricci strategically moves to stretch opposition defensive line, he creates valuable space for teammates through deliberate positioning and uses wide positioning to facilitate effective ball progression through congested areas.
TACTICAL INTELLIGENCE
Awareness and Vision
– Elite spatial awareness allows Ricci to consistently track teammates’ and opponents’ positions
– Regular scanning of surroundings provides crucial tactical information before receiving the ball
– Exceptional at identifying… pic.twitter.com/HP2xLBnh28— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Ricci is only 23 (turning 24 this year) and has deficiencies he needs to iron out. For example, his decision on the ball needs to improve, as we can see here his pass played right into Lazio’s trap and they effectively converted it into a goal.
⚠️ AREAS TO IMPROVE
Ricci is only 23 (turning 24 this year) and has deficiencies he needs to iron out. For example, his decision on the ball needs to improve, as we can see here his pass played right into Lazio’s trap and they effectively converted it into a goal. pic.twitter.com/ziXSl20Sc2
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 3, 2025
Statistical comparison
It is most interesting and accurate to take a look at the 2023-24 season numbers and make a comparison with Manuel Locatelli, another Italian No.6 who played under Massimiliano Allegri in that particular campaign.
While Locatelli is a better progressive passer and an excellent passer into the final third, Ricci has more interceptions and a slightly better GCA. In other words, the former is slightly more on the creative side, and the latter more on the defensive side.
As highlighted above, Ricci is a deep-phase controller, not a final-third presence. His heatmap (via
@SofascoreINT) proves it: deeper zones, smart positioning. If he were paired with Reijnders and Youssouf Fofana it would have been a balanced, dynamic midfield.
Alas, we must wait to see what the finishing touches are, but Luka Modric’s imminent arrival and the potential signing of Ardon Jashari suggests that Allegri should be able to find a combination that works together.
FBRef provide the ability to compare Ricci with other midfielders in the ‘top five’ European leagues plus the Champions League and the Europa League over the past 365 days, based on 2825 minutes played overall.
Ricci is in the 78th percentile for pass completion (at 88%) and the 83rd percentile for passes blocked (0.51) which again highlights his resourcefulness in possession rather than bravery/stupidity.
Defensively, he ranks in the 95th percentile for percentage of dribblers tackled (64.3%) and the 98th for challenges lost at 0.32. Combative would be the right word there, too.
Moreover, he is in the 72nd percentile for times dispossessed in possession (0.57 per game) and the 94th for fouls drawn (2.23). Efficiency also extends to his dribbling too, therefore.
It is worth noting that the Pontedera-born regista ranks a lot lower (bottom 30 percentile) for a lot of the end-product stats like goals, Expected Goals, assists, shots, shot-creating actions and progressive passes.
Ricci also ranks quite low on overall touches, take-ons attempted, tackles won, ball recoveries and aerial duels won. This only reinforces the idea we have been preaching about the fact he is very much a defensive anchor who keeps things simple – he will not dictate the play like his idol Pirlo.
We also encourage you to read the tweet below, which provides a comparison between Ricci and Sandro Tonali in various different metrics.
RICCI vs TONALI
⚔️ Defensive Contributions
Tackles + Interceptions: Tonali (2.96) clearly leads Ricci (1.02), showing more direct involvement in ball-winning.
Recoveries: Still in Tonali’s favor (5.91 vs 4.69), but Ricci’s number is solid — suggesting he positions himself well… pic.twitter.com/dL4bxhMyvI
— Rohit Rajeev (@keralista) July 4, 2025
Conclusion
Ricci still has areas to iron out, and working with Allegri and probably Modric can help. He was earlier linked with a move to City when Rodri was injured as well, which shows just how much he has impressed.
It has been a long time since Milan actually signed a natural regista, i.e. someone to operate in front of the defence as a shield. They will probably, however, need a more creative player to complete the trio, which is why the links to Jashari and Javi Guerra are no surprise.
The big question mark concerns what the arrangement will be when Modric starts, given the reports that Allegri wishes to use the Croatian in front of the defence to control the flow of games. Can they co-exist, or will one sit on the bench for the other?
Still, at 24 years of age there is room for Ricci to further develop and perhaps evolve. To get a player with league experience in a position of need for potentially less than €25m – considering how the Italian domestic market usually works – feels like a great bit of business.
Transfer rating: 7.5/10
He’s 23. Not 24 yet. But a 7.5? Bit tough are we? I get it… we want to be cautious.
common he is good but still didnt prove on national team.. he has still many areas to improve.. just be honest
That’s not really the case. And I’m being honest.
Poorman’s Tonali. Yet we bought Tonali cheaper than Ricci.
Nope, we paid a total of 35m for Tonali. It was a 10m loan and 15m option and 10m bonus. Ricci is a poorman Tonali, I rate Tonali highly. If Ricci can match 80% of Tonali then it’s already a great deal.
“The first important thing to outline is that Ricci is not a Tijjani Reijnders replacement, but he could be exactly what the midfield is missing and is part of an overall rebuild that Massimiliano Allegri wants to add balance to the department.
Ricci is Torino and Italy’s press-resistant outlet. He does not play Pirlo-like Hollywood passes (even if he is his idol), but rather prioritises smart, safe circulation of the ball.”
I don’t understand what this means. He’s not a Deers replacement..sure that’s obvious, but brings balance? Wouldn’t that mean he’s more defensive rather than offensive? And he’s neither.
I dunno about press resistant mid. Isn’t that Modric (as alluded to at the end)? A press resistant mid who can play from the back? All I’m seeing is an expensive bench player once more
He has a specific skill set and physical attributes that make him ideal for what Milan is lacking. Milan needs someone who is mobile enough to catch up to a player in the midfield and dispossess the ball from them. He does that at Torino.
He has a basic understanding of how to circulate the ball, and he has a good diagonal pass. So his circulation of the ball is effective for the wingers. I believe in combination with RLC and Fofana, along with Modric. Milan has something interesting to put on the pitch.
This squad is packed with Midfielders: Adli, Bennacer, Bondo and Pobega. There are too many, of course Bondo is staying, but Milan is bringing in more midfielders, so I believe the defensive workload won’t be all on Ricci this upcoming season, nor will it be balanced out with RLC and Fofana. So there will be more midfielders coming in but the outgoing have to take place soon.
Ricci won’t light up the pitch, but he will hopefully make it easier to control a game of football.
Read what I have below this post. There are virtually no stat he excels at. He’s not good on defence, terrible in attack. Ok he completes his passes….short passing is below average especially for the position he plays, he doesn’t carry the ball. I’d really like to know what you guys are seeing. And hey I could be wrong (love for him to prove me wrong as he’s one of ours now). But from eye tests, the stats backs up what I see. Another below average player. (I’ll give you that he has decent acceleration but his dispossession rate is 50-50). Specific skill set for 25m?? Why?
He is neither a true defensive nor offensive midfielder, the truth is most midfielders nowadays is a mix and some more defensive, some more offensive.
We need to be real with the scouting and what the player truly brings. He didn’t impress when he played against us and he didn’t impress against weaker teams either.
If you look at the key categories he’s quite bad stats-wise.
Defending: bottom 30 percentile of all midfielders in all of Europe in tackling. Shots blocked, passes blocked, tackling, interceptions all in the lowest 30th percentile. Clearance, dribblers tackles and challenges lost are his best traits with the former only meeting the 60th percentile. Aerially he’s poor, bottom 20 percentile. He seems worse than Deers level of defence that’s how bad he is.
Passing: his pass completion is pretty good at 88 percent but this only put him in the 78th percentile amongst mids. His mid-range passing is his best traits at 81 percentile while short and long passes are 78 and 72 percentiles respectively. Passes into the final third and progressive passes..both bottom 30th percentile…meaning he passes laterally most of the time. The quantity of passing is below average. He’s not the one you let build up play.
Possession: bottom 30th percentile in touches, poor in take ons, successful take ons. Carries, progressive carries bad.
Shooting: virtually non existent. Way below average (bottom half of mids).
Goal and shot creation: let’s it even go there. Non existent….which you would think means he makes up for it on defence. He doesn’t.
I really don’t understand the hype around this player. With these stats no wonder why the notoriously stingy Cairo easily let him go. At least with Deers he had really good passing.
I do t really know what his strong suit is, it’s not offense for sure and his defence lacks…so what exactly are we getting here…for this large sum of money we don’t have
He has a growth for improvement. very good defensively, still 23 to 24 he will become d better version of Rodri , I bet u under alegri
Did you not read this part “Defending: bottom 30 percentile of all midfielders in all of Europe in tackling. Shots blocked, passes blocked, tackling, interceptions all in the lowest 30th percentile” ? I’ll throw in that his tackling and interceptions are bottom 6 percentile in Europe big 5 leagues meaning 94 percent of mids are better than him. That’s not “very good defensively”.
You’re telling me we just spent 25m on hope once more ?
I think many are missing the point here. Allegri is assembling a defensive team. You cannot sell Tijjani and your first purchase is Ricci and you expect anything else. Attacking midfielders are expensive, so you have to be smart when buying… and spend the largest bulk on the player you are replacing.