Tuttosport: Ricci hoping to fill Modric’s shoes – the two missions he has this season

Samuele Ricci is expected to start for AC Milan against Lecce, and he will have the difficult task of standing in for Luka Modric.

As per multiple reports, Ricci will be given a start tonight against Lecce in the Coppa Italia round of 32. Modric will be rested, and it will be up to the former Torino midfielder to lead the midfield in the regista role.

Ricci’s mission

Today’s edition of Tuttosport (via MilanPress) carries the headline: ‘A Modric-like night for Ricci’. The Italian’s first goal is to earn the trust of Massimiliano Allegri, who has gotten to know him in recent weeks and is appreciating his commitment.

As the newspaper writes, it’s no secret that the former Empoli man was ‘secured’ in January by the CEO Giorgio Furlani through agent Paolo Busardò. He wasn’t the first choice for either Allegri or sporting director Igli Tare, but arrived because the deal had been lined up.

Ricci has started all four league games on the bench. His only start came in the Coppa Italia match against Bari. However, in the moments he was given, the 24-year-old Tuscan has always made a positive impact, not getting demoralised and trying to make his contribution.

Photos by AC Milan and Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images

Over time, he could challenge Youssouf Fofana for the right mezzala role – at least while €35m signing Ardon Jashari is out – but for now he’ll have to settle for a night in the place of the maestro Luka Modric. Allegri’s words suggest the door is open to get more minutes.

Ricci’s other goal is to regain his place in the national team. He wasn’t called up by Gennaro Gattuso for the final matches at the beginning of September, but thanks to Nicolo Rovella’s injury, a window of opportunity could open up for him.

A great season at Milan could get him a spot at the 2026 World Cup in the United States as well, even if the Azzurri are not guaranteed of qualifying just yet.