Torino midfielder Samuele Ricci is delighted with Italy’s call-up and eager to learn a new role in central midfield for club and country.
Ricci is part of the Azzurri squad for Nations League games against France and Israel.
“To wear the Azzurri jersey is a source of great pride,” the 23-year-old told Vivo Azzurro TV.
“I think it represents the best of what we do. Most importantly, we represent a country, so honouring it and trying to give our all is fundamental.”
Ricci had been included in the preliminary squad for EURO 2024 but was dropped from the final squad list.
“I am delighted with the call-up. It means I am working well, and I hope I will no longer go,” he said.
Ricci learning new role as Italy have ‘Desire for redemption’
“I played as a defensive and box-to-box midfielder, so I’ll play where the coach wants me to.
“The build-up and the defensive phase are crucial in today’s football and the finishing. I am trying to improve my finishing, especially now that I play a little further up the pitch in my club, but the other two phases are equally important.”
The Italian midfielder mostly played as a Regista at Torino last season but is now being deployed as a Mezzala [box-to-box midfielder] by new Torino coach Paolo Vanoli.
“There has always been a great rapport with Spalletti. He gives a lot of advice, especially to young players. It’s crucial to keep the group united,” the midfielder continued.
Talking about the upcoming match against France, he said: “It will surely be a great game, with two strong teams meeting.
“There is a desire for redemption. We are a united group. We’ve known each other for a long time. Surely, we want to do well. We have some challenging games ahead, but the team is competitive. There’s nothing we lack.
“Redemption passes from this game and the following one against Israel, so we must work hard these days and focus fully on this match.”