GdS: Ricci the ‘extra man’ for Milan – how he earned Allegri’s full trust

Samuele Ricci had a big hand in AC Milan’s winning goal against Pisa on Friday, and he has become the ‘extra man’ for Massimiliano Allegri.

As La Gazzetta dello Sport write, it was Luka Modric who stole the show after the victory over Pisa. The 40-year-old popped up in the right place at the right time to bail his team out during a difficult moment, but it was Ricci who laid it on a plate for him within minutes of coming on.

Earning Allegri’s trust

Perhaps this is why every time Allegri is asked to rate Ricci, the coach praises his dedication and tactical intelligence. He also emphasises his extensive use: while he’s up against Modric and Adrien Rabiot, Ricci has played in 20 league matches and three Coppa Italia matches, for over 1,100 minutes.

Speaking of Rabiot, the suspension he’ll serve against Como opens the door to Ricci at San Siro, where he will return to the starting line-up on Wednesday. The Italian will replace the Frenchman and take on all the tasks he usually does: tempo, playmaking and finishing.

Ricci explained the secret himself after the assist in Pisa: “We all have to feel like starters. Sometimes you start, other times you come on for five minutes or a quarter of an hour. You always have to be ready. We don’t wear just any shirt, we always have to honour it and give more than we can, more than 100%.”

Ricci is more likely to start than Ardon Jashari, hampered by an early-season injury and more. For Allegri, Jashari is a young deputy to Modric. Ricci, on the other hand, is much more: a regista when needed, but also a box-to-box midfielder who can run and organise.

He has an uncommon ability to adapt, as well as his ability to immediately get into the game. This is why he’s been seen in all but four league matches, mostly as a substitute. On Wednesday, he’ll be a key midfielder alongside Modric.

More than a team-mate, Ricci admitted that the Ballon d’Or winner a source of inspiration: “In Pisa, he gave me the ball, and I didn’t expect to see him back in the box so soon; it’s amazing. An example for everyone.”