Ricci happy with first Milan goal and increased opportunities: “We never want to settle”

Samuele Ricci was delighted to get his first goal for AC Milan since joining, even though it didn’t come in a winning effort.

Milan took just a few minutes to get themselves in front against Atalanta, and it was a memorable moment for Ricci. The Italian got his first goal for the club on a night when the national team coach Gennaro Gattuso was watching closely from the sidelines, in view of a possible recall next month.

In the end though it was not to be enough for all three points as Milan squandered their early advantage for the second game in a row. Ademola Lookman was given time and space to fire a thunderbolt of a shot in at the near post, and 1-1 was how it would end.

Ricci spoke to Milan TV after the final whistle at the New Balance Arena in a game that he will not forget even if the result wasn’t particularly spectacular, and his comments were transcribed by MilanNews.

What are your feelings after the game?

“We never want to settle. We always want to win, even if it’s not always possible. The atmosphere in the dressing room is different than after the draw against Pisa.

“Today we faced a strong team on a difficult pitch. We made too many mistakes in the first half, but we did better in the second half, thanks in part to the players who came on. The team is there.”

⚽️ A goal for Ricci, in front of Gattuso! 🇮🇹

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— SempreMilan (@SempreMilanCom) October 28, 2025

You got your first goal for Milan…

“If someone had told me that a few years ago, I wouldn’t have believed it. It’s a shame it didn’t help us win, but I’m happy. I’m always available to the coach. I went through a period where I didn’t play much, but I always worked to be ready. I’m happy with what we’re doing.”