Samuele Ricci admits it is ‘very pleasing’ to be linked with Manchester City and Milan transfers, as he describes his strengths and where he still needs to improve by studying Rodri.
The Torino midfielder had already attracted attention from big clubs over the summer, but his performances for the Azzurri in the Nations League against France, Israel and Belgium further bolstered his profile.
Now he is seen as the ideal replacement for injured Rodri at Manchester City, adding to previous interest from Milan.
“It is very pleasing of course, but I have learned to understand football a bit now. When things go well, you are linked with these big clubs and it is gratifying because it means you are on the right track,” Ricci told RAI Sport.
He started the 3-1 victory away to France and the 2-2 draw with Belgium, the latter seeing them 2-0 up and coasting until Lorenzo Pellegrini’s costly red card.
“I think the spirit of sacrifice within a squad is one of the most important things and we proved it on Thursday against Belgium. Games can have complications, so if you can’t win, at least you can get a draw.”
The performance in Paris was the one that suddenly catapulted Ricci into the Calcio stratosphere.
“This is football, you can play 100 games and only one gets attention. I tried to do my best, but without going over the top, and that was better.”
Ricci urged to study Manchester City star Rodri
Ricci is only 23 years old and in the very early days of his international experience, which so far is entirely for Italy and not at club level. What does he bring to the table?
“I’ve done a lot of training on turning my head to check what’s behind me, as it can make the difference. Sometimes you need to look more than twice, Spalletti taught me that too. My coach sends me videos to study, many of them are of Rodri. You can see the importance of the little things.
“I still have to improve on so many little things, like my positioning. (Torino coach Paolo) Vanoli sends me so many videos. Toro fans deserve more, as it is a club with immense history and so quite rightly their supporters are demanding.”
Fake news, Milan can’t afford