Ricci talks Italy ambitions, what he is learning from Modric and Allegri’s requests

Samuele Ricci has spoken about the privilege he feels training and playing alongside Luka Modric, and also lifted the lid on Massimiliano Allegri.

Ricci was the first signing that Milan officially got over the line during what was a hectic summer transfer window, in which there were over 30 operations when counting both incomings and outgoings.

The Italian arrived to form part of a midfield rebuild following the sale of Tijjani Reijnders. Modric, Ardon Jashari and Adrien Rabiot also arrived, meaning there will be plenty of competition for spots when everyone is available.

Azzurri, Modric and Max

Ricci spoke to Mediaset about his hopes representing his country, how he is finding life as part of a new-look Milan midfield and what Allegri is like as a coach, with his comments via MilanNews.

You must have national team aspirations…

“I think I have to earn my place in the national team every time I play for Milan because that’s important for an Italian boy like me. I have to try to do well with Milan and improve.”

Photos by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images and AC Milan

What is training with Modric like?

“It’s a privilege. You see that he’s truly different from the others, even in the simplicity of what he does, like when he touches the ball with the outside of his foot, he does it as if it were a normal thing.

“He never gets his positioning wrong, even if he doesn’t cover a lot of ground. This shows that it’s not so important to move a lot, but to know how to move well. Just by watching him you can pick up on the things that make the difference.”

What does Allegri demand?

“He demands that we midfielders be able to do everything. You have to know how to defend, which is the first thing, and then you have to know how to attack well, each with their own characteristics. I feel capable of doing both.”