Samuele Ricci

Samuele Ricci (; born 21 August 2001) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for the club Como, on loan from AC Milan, and the Italy national team.

Club career Empoli Ricci came through the Empoli youth teams and started playing for their under-19 squad in the 2018–19 season. He was called up to the senior squad for the first time in April 2019, but remained on the bench on that occasion. Ricci made his professional debut for Empoli on 21 September 2019, at the age of 18, replacing Leo Štulac in a 1–0 win against Cittadella. The following season, coach Alessio Dionisi mainly used him as a mezzala. On 18 January 2021, RIcci scored his first goal as a professional in the 5–0 victory against Salernitana. Empoli finished the season in first place in the league standing and were promoted to Serie A, with Ricci winning the Manlio Scopigno award as the best player of the season.

Torino On 30 January 2022, Ricci was loaned to Torino with a conditional obligation to purchase. On 28 January 2023, he scored his first goal for Torino in a 2–2 draw away against former club Empoli.

AC Milan On 3 July 2025, Ricci completed his transfer to AC Milan from Torino for a fee of €23 million + €1.5 million in bonuses. He signed a contract until 30 June 2029, with an option in the club's favour for an extension until 30 June 2030, and chose to wear the shirt number 4. Before his transfer eventually happened, he had already been linked with the move to Milan since April 2020, his debut season in senior football, with the club's numerous offers to sign the player turned down by both Empoli and Torino.

Loan to Como On 29 August 2026, Ricci moved to fellow Serie A club Como, on loan for the 2026–27 season, for an estimated €2 million fee and the option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.

International career Ricci was first called up to the Italy under-17 team in December 2017 for a friendly against France.

Ricci was selected in the senior Italy squad for the 2022 Finalissima against Argentina on 1 June 2022 – as well as 2022–23 UEFA Nations League group stage matches against Germany (twice), Hungary, England – between 4 and 14 June 2022. He debuted against Germany in the latter tournament on 4 June.

Style of play

Ricci is a right-footed player, mainly deployed as a playmaker in front of the defence or as a box-to-box midfielder, also known as a mezzala in his native Italy. Gifted with excellent individual technique and sense of positioning, he is regarded as one of the most important prospects in Italian football. His reference model is Andrea Pirlo.

Personal life On 9 September 2020, Ricci tested positive for COVID-19.

Career statistics Club

International

Honours Empoli Serie B: 2020–21

Individual Serie B Footballer of the Year: 2020–21