Spezia midfielder Matteo Ricci said he ‘always hoped for a call-up’ by Italy and admitted ‘it was wonderful’ to get the news.
The 26-year-old could become the first Aquilotti player to dress in Azzurro in 85 years, as he has been called up for the first time by CT Roberto Mancini.
“I have always hoped for a call-up,” Ricci said at a press conference. “On Friday, the sporting director of Spezia called me and I knew I had been called up.
“It was wonderful.”
Spezia midfielder Matteo Ricci said he ‘always hoped for a call-up’ by Italy and admitted ‘it was wonderful’ to get the news.
The 26-year-old could become the first Aquilotti player to dress in Azzurro in 85 years, as he has been called up for the first time by CT Roberto Mancini.
“I have always hoped for a call-up,” Ricci said at a press conference. “On Friday, the sporting director of Spezia called me and I knew I had been called up.
“It was wonderful.”
The former Roma midfielder moved to Spezia in July 2018 and has helped the Aquilotti to Serie A, where he has played 21 times in 2020-21.
“I don’t regret the choice of starting from the lower categories,” he continued. “My brother Federico is fighting with Monza for promotion to Serie A.
“We often talk and support each other.”
Ricci thanked coach Vincenzo Italiano for giving helping him reach the Azzurri.
“The playing style of Italiano, very proactive, was fundamental,” Ricci admitted. “I will always thank the coach for the trust he has in me.”
At Coverciano he was met by familiar faces from Roma, with Daniele De Rossi as a technical coach and former teammates like Alessandro Florenzi and Lorenzo Pellegrini.
“The first impression was an incredible emotion, it’s an honour to be here with the best in Italy,” he said. “I will try to learn from everyone.
“I already knew Florenzi, Pellegrini and De Rossi. They have already set up a trap for me, because last night at dinner they made me sing a song…
“Those are the things that create a group.”