Allegri addresses Ricci’s lack of playing time: “He has grown since he arrived”

Samuele Ricci received a lot of praise from Max Allegri during today’s press conference, with the AC Milan coach highlighting just how much the midfielder has grown since his arrival. 

Despite what was an impressive pre-season, Ricci hasn’t played that much for Milan since the league campaign began. He started in the Coppa Italia clash against Bari but then, he lost his spot to Luka Modric, playing just 14 minutes in the league so far.

Clearly, it’s not what the midfielder expected a few weeks back and not what the fans expected either. During today’s press conference, Allegri was asked about the situation and whether he could field Ricci as a mezz’ala instead, allowing him to co-exist with Modric.

“I’m very happy with Samuele because he has grown since he arrived. He’s changing physically, his legs are stronger, more beautiful, like a top player. He’s an intelligent player, very good tactically. He’s growing tactically, physically, and technically. It has to be the same path for everyone.

Photo by AC Milan

“We have players with international experience like Rabiot, Pulisic, Modric, Tomori, Loftus, and Fofana. Then there are players with less experience but excellent qualities: we have to work every day to give them confidence. And Ricci is doing very well, I’m happy,” he stated.

As you can tell, Allegri had a lot of praise for the former Torino man, so it seems to be just a matter of time before we see him more on the pitch. Youssouf Fofana hasn’t exactly done brilliantly so far this season, so that could perhaps be the opening for Ricci.