AC Milan, one of Italy’s most famous soccer clubs, has just completed an exciting new signing! They’ve added 23-year-old midfielder Samuele Ricci to their team. The young Italian star is joining Milan from another Italian team, Torino, and he’s signed a contract that will keep him at the club until June 2029, with a possible extra year after that. That means Ricci could be wearing the red and black Milan jersey for a long time.
Even though the team didn’t say how much money they spent, Italian sports news reports say the deal cost around 23 million euros — that’s about $27 million in U.S. dollars! That’s a lot of money, but for a talented young player with experience in both club and international games, Milan believes it’s a smart investment.
Let’s dive into who Samuele Ricci is, why this signing is such a big deal, and what it means for AC Milan and Italian soccer fans.
Who Is Samuele Ricci?
Samuele Ricci was born in Italy in 2001 and grew up loving the sport, just like many young kids in the country. He trained at the Empoli football academy, which is known for developing smart and skilled players. Soccer academies are places where young players train to become professionals. Empoli’s academy has helped many players rise to the top levels of the game, and Ricci is one of their proudest success stories.
Ricci made his first professional appearance with Empoli in 2019, and it didn’t take long for scouts from bigger clubs to notice his talent. In 2022, he moved to Torino, a team based in the city of Turin. At Torino, Ricci quickly became one of the most important players in the midfield. Over his two and a half seasons with the club, he played 113 matches — a big number for a player his age!
A midfielder like Ricci plays a key role in the team. They help control the game, pass the ball, and support both the defense and the attack. Think of midfielders as the “engine” of the team — they keep things running smoothly.
] Representing Italy on the World Stage
Ricci’s hard work didn’t go unnoticed at the national level either. In 2022, he made his debut for Italy’s national team, also known as the Azzurri (which means “The Blues” in Italian). Since then, he has earned 10 international caps. A “cap” in soccer means playing in a game for your national team.
Getting 10 caps by age 23 is impressive and shows that Ricci is on track to become a regular for Italy in the future. Italy is one of the most successful soccer nations in the world, having won four FIFA World Cups — in 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006. Players like Ricci are expected to carry on this proud tradition.
A New Chapter at AC Milan
With Ricci joining AC Milan, one of the most historic clubs in Europe, the expectations are higher than ever. Milan has won the Italian Serie A league 19 times and is also one of the most successful clubs in European history. They’ve won the UEFA Champions League — the biggest club competition in Europe — seven times, second only to Real Madrid.
AC Milan has a long history of signing top Italian talent, and Ricci is the latest in a long line of stars. The move also comes at a time when the team needed a new midfielder. Earlier this summer, Milan’s Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders transferred to Manchester City, one of the top teams in the English Premier League. With Reijnders gone, Milan needed someone who could step into that role — and Ricci fits the bill perfectly.
Why Milan Chose Ricci
So, what makes Ricci so special? Well, he’s known for:
Smart passing: He has a great eye for spotting teammates and creating scoring chances.
Calm under pressure: Even when things get intense on the field, Ricci keeps his cool.
Strong work rate: He’s not afraid to run, tackle, and help out the defense when needed.
Last season with Torino, Ricci had some excellent performances. While he didn’t score many goals, his role was more about making the team play better — and he did that extremely well.
In modern soccer, teams look for midfielders who are not just physically strong but also smart with the ball. Ricci has both of these qualities. He’s also still young, which means he has plenty of time to grow even more.
Soccer Fun Fact #1
The average midfielder in Europe runs about 11 kilometers (7 miles) per match! That’s like running around a school track more than 25 times during one game.
What’s Next for Ricci and Milan?
Now that Ricci is officially a Milan player, fans are excited to see how he fits into the team. AC Milan will be playing in multiple competitions this season, including Serie A, the Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Europa League. That means Ricci will have many chances to show what he can do.
Many experts think Ricci could become a leader in the Milan midfield over the next few years. And if he continues to play well, he might also earn a starting spot in Italy’s national team for future tournaments like the UEFA European Championship or even the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Soccer Fun Fact #2
Italy has produced some of the best midfielders in history, like Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, and Marco Verratti. Ricci hopes to follow in their footsteps.
A Message to Young Fans
Samuele Ricci’s journey shows that hard work, discipline, and a love for the game can take you far. From practicing at a local academy to playing in front of thousands of fans, Ricci followed his dreams step by step. And now, he’s playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world.
If you love soccer, remember: many pros started just like you — kicking a ball around with friends and learning every day. So keep playing, stay focused, and never give up!
With Ricci in the squad, AC Milan’s future looks even brighter. Fans can’t wait to see him wear the famous red and black jersey at the San Siro Stadium, helping Milan fight for trophies and bring joy to supporters around the world.
