14 hours ago
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Samuele Ricci’s return to his former club ended up being a positive one as AC Milan came from behind to beat Torino 3-2.
Milan started the game terribly, falling two goals behind in the opening 17 minutes after a Nikola Vlasic penalty and a Duvan Zapata strike. It looked like their hoodoo in away games against Torino was going to continue, but then Adrien Rabiot scored a rocket from distance to halve the deficit.
Then, it was over to Christian Pulisic. The American came off the bench having recovered from a fever on the day of the game, scoring twice in quick succession to complete the comeback and take Milan back to the top of the league after 14 games played.
Ricci’s post-match reaction
Ricci spoke to Sky and DAZN after the final whistle at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino to give his assessments after returning to Turin, with MilanNews relaying his words.
What was this game like for you?
“It was a special evening, emotional, and a happy one because it ended with a win after a slow start. We pushed a bit too hard inside, we needed to push more out wide.
“Then I have to say there was a great reaction, with Adrien’s great goal that boosted our morale and helped us come back in the second half more compact and incisive.”
It was another slow start…
“We’re obviously Milan, so we have to try to win every game. You can have a bad night, but you have to give that little bit extra and give 100%.
“I think it was there in the second half, we came back well, we managed the ball well, I saw a great team. Puli made the difference, but the skill lies in the whole team.”
When you came on, the approach seemed to change…
“It was a very emotional evening. I returned for the first time to the stadium that supported me for almost four years. But it ended with a victory. We started off timidly, having conceded those two goals, but we responded, and to become a team, you have to go through matches like this.”
Is it something you’re working on, not just playing in the centre?
“I think the coach sees me more as a midfielder, perhaps a role I’ve played in the past. I think I could also play as a regista. I do what the team needs and what the coach asks of me, but often that role becomes a two-man midfield. You have to be able to do a bit of everything.”
What’s behind the team’s celebration?
“Every coach gives you something. With some you learn the defensive phase, with others you work on the offensive. If I’m here, it’s also thanks to them. We’re a great team, we try to play games like great teams.
“We were coming off a negative result in Rome. Today too, we didn’t start well. In the celebration at the end, there was a bit of relief from a victory on a difficult pitch. We’re very happy and we need to continue the work we’re doing.”
English (US) ·