Samuele Ricci: Complete Profile of Como 1907’s Italian Midfielder
Career, statistics, playing style, international experience and his new chapter with Como 1907 under Cesc Fàbregas.
Samuele Ricci is an Italian midfielder who joined Como 1907 from AC Milan on loan for the 2026–27 season, with an option to make the move permanent. Born in Pontedera on 21 August 2001, he developed through Empoli’s youth system before establishing himself in Serie A with Torino and later moving to Milan.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, Ricci is known for his technical quality, positional intelligence and ability to manage possession. His reading of the game and composure under pressure make him a natural fit for a team that wants to build attacks from the back and control the rhythm of matches.
His arrival gives Cesc Fàbregas another experienced Italian midfielder, bringing more than 200 senior club appearances and experience with the Italian national team to Como’s midfield.
7 things to know about Samuele Ricci
- Como number 21Ricci joined Como 1907 on loan from AC Milan on 29 August 2026.
- Born in PontederaThe Italian midfielder was born on 21 August 2001.
- Developed at EmpoliHe came through the club’s academy before making his professional debut in 2019.
- More than 200 senior appearancesHis club career includes spells at Empoli, Torino, AC Milan and Como.
- Italy internationalRicci made his senior national-team debut in June 2022.
- Defensive midfield specialistHis main role is in front of the defence, where he helps dictate the tempo.
- Loan with an option to buyComo have an option to make his move permanent at the end of the 2026–27 season.
Key information
Who is Samuele Ricci?
Samuele Ricci was born in Pontedera, in the province of Pisa, Tuscany, on 21 August 2001. He is an Italian professional footballer who plays mainly as a defensive midfielder.
Ricci joined Empoli’s youth academy in 2011 and spent several years progressing through the club’s development system. His technical ability, awareness and calmness in possession quickly marked him out as a promising midfielder.
He made his professional debut in Serie B in September 2019, aged 18. From there, he developed into an established Serie A player, gaining experience with Empoli, Torino and AC Milan before joining Como in August 2026.
Ricci is also a regular member of the Italian national-team setup. Having represented Italy at several youth levels, he made his senior debut in 2022.
Club career
Empoli: the beginning
Ricci’s football education began at Empoli, where he joined the youth academy in 2011. After progressing through the club’s age groups, he became part of the Under-19 side and earned his first call-up to the senior squad in 2019.
He made his professional debut on 21 September 2019, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 win against Cittadella in Serie B. During the following seasons, he became an increasingly important part of the team.
In the 2020–21 campaign, Empoli won the Serie B title and secured promotion to the top flight. Ricci played a significant role in the team’s midfield and received the Manlio Scopigno award as the best player of the season.
He finished his Empoli spell with 83 league appearances and three goals, establishing himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in Italian football.
Torino: establishing himself in Serie A
On 30 January 2022, Ricci joined Torino on loan from Empoli, with a conditional obligation to buy. The move gave him the opportunity to continue his development in Serie A.
He gradually became an important figure in Torino’s midfield, combining defensive work with the ability to start attacks through accurate passing and intelligent positioning. He also scored his first goal for the club against his former side Empoli in January 2023.
During his time with the Granata, Ricci made more than 100 league appearances. His performances attracted the attention of several major Italian clubs and strengthened his reputation as one of the country’s most technically accomplished midfielders.
AC Milan: a new challenge
On 3 July 2025, Ricci completed his move from Torino to AC Milan. The transfer was reported to be worth €23 million, plus potential bonuses, and he signed a contract running until 30 June 2029, with an option for a further year in the club’s favour.
At Milan, he continued his development in a high-profile environment, adding experience at one of Italy’s most historic clubs. He made 31 Serie A appearances during the 2025–26 season, scoring once.
Samuele Ricci joins Como 1907
On 29 August 2026, Como 1907 announced the signing of Samuele Ricci from AC Milan on loan until the end of the 2026–27 season, with an option to make the transfer permanent.
The move represents an important addition to Cesc Fàbregas’ midfield. Ricci brings Serie A experience, technical quality and an understanding of the tactical demands of Italian football.
According to the reported terms of the agreement, Como’s purchase option is set at approximately €20.5 million. Should the club decide to exercise it, Ricci is expected to sign a long-term contract running until 2031.
At Como, he wears the number 21 shirt and is expected to compete for a central role in midfield. His ability to receive the ball under pressure and distribute it accurately gives the team another option when building attacks from the defensive line.
Como league statistics refer to the 2026–27 Serie A figures supplied for this profile. International appearances are reported through 12 November 2026. Figures should be updated as the season progresses.
Playing style
A natural defensive midfielder
Ricci’s main position is in front of the defensive line, where he acts as a link between the defenders and the more advanced midfielders. He is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and often provides the first passing option during the build-up.
Technical quality and passing
One of Ricci’s strongest qualities is his technical ability. He can play short combinations, switch the direction of an attack and find teammates between the opposition’s lines. His passing helps his team maintain possession and move the ball forward with control.
Positional intelligence
Ricci reads the game well and understands when to hold his position, cover space or move towards the ball. His awareness allows him to protect the defence while remaining available as a passing option during possession.
Composure under pressure
Rather than relying only on physical strength, Ricci often uses his body positioning and first touch to escape pressure. His calmness on the ball is particularly valuable against teams that press aggressively in midfield.
Defensive contribution
Although his game is built around possession and distribution, Ricci also contributes defensively. He works to close passing lanes, intercept opposition moves and protect the space in front of the centre-backs.
Ricci’s role in Cesc Fàbregas’ system
Cesc Fàbregas places considerable importance on technical quality, intelligent movement and the ability to control matches through possession. Ricci’s profile fits naturally into this approach.
As a defensive midfielder, he can offer a reliable passing option in the first phase of the build-up. His positioning allows the centre-backs to find him between the lines, while his composure helps Como retain possession when opponents attempt to press high.
Ricci can also help the team maintain its balance when the full-backs and attacking midfielders move forward. By occupying the central space and reading potential counter-attacks, he can provide defensive protection without limiting the team’s attacking ambitions.
His experience in Serie A is another important asset. Having played for Empoli, Torino and Milan, he understands the tactical demands of the league and should be able to adapt quickly to Como’s style of play.
Career statistics
| Club | Period | League appearances | League goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empoli | 2019–2022 | 83 | 3 |
| Torino (loan) | 2021–2022 | 12 | 0 |
| Torino | 2022–2025 | 94 | 4 |
| AC Milan | 2025–2026 | 31 | 1 |
| Como 1907 (loan) | 2026–2027 | 8 | 0 |
| Career total | 2019–2027 | 228 | 8 |
League figures are based on the career statistics supplied, with the Como loan spell listed separately. Cup and European competition appearances are not included in this table.
International career with Italy
Ricci represented Italy at several youth levels, including the Under-17, Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 teams. His progress through the national-team structure reflected his development as one of the country’s promising young midfielders.
He received his first senior call-up in 2022, when he was selected for Italy’s squad ahead of the Finalissima against Argentina and the UEFA Nations League matches that followed.
Ricci made his senior debut for Italy on 4 June 2022, against Germany in the UEFA Nations League. Since then, he has continued to be part of the national-team picture, adding valuable international experience to his club career.
As of 12 November 2026, he has made 12 appearances for the senior national team, without scoring a goal.
Honours and individual awards
- Serie B champion with Empoli: 2020–21
- Manlio Scopigno Award – Serie B Player of the Season: 2020–21
- Serie B promotion with Empoli: 2020–21
- Italy senior international since 2022
Ricci’s main strengths
- Technical quality and close control
- Accurate short and medium-range passing
- Ability to dictate the tempo of a match
- Positional awareness in front of the defence
- Composure when pressed by opponents
- Intelligent movement to offer passing options
- Reading of the game and interception skills
- Experience in Serie A
- Ability to support the first phase of build-up play
- International experience with Italy
Why Samuele Ricci matters to Como 1907
Ricci gives Como an additional midfield option with experience at the highest level of Italian football. His ability to control possession, play forward and protect the defensive line can help the team manage different phases of a match.
For a side that wants to build from the back and dominate the ball, having a midfielder who can receive under pressure and make good decisions is particularly important. Ricci’s technical profile and tactical intelligence make him well suited to that responsibility.
His arrival also adds depth and competition to the squad. With a full season ahead, Ricci has the opportunity to become an important part of Fàbregas’ midfield and demonstrate why he has been regarded as one of Italy’s most promising midfielders.
Frequently asked questions about Samuele Ricci
Who is Samuele Ricci?
Samuele Ricci is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Como 1907, on loan from AC Milan, and represents the Italian national team.
When was Samuele Ricci born?
He was born on 21 August 2001 in Pontedera, Italy.
How old is Samuele Ricci?
Samuele Ricci was born in August 2001 and is 25 years old in November 2026.
What position does Samuele Ricci play?
His main position is defensive midfielder. He can also play as a central midfielder.
What is Samuele Ricci’s shirt number at Como?
Ricci wears the number 21 shirt at Como 1907.
When did Samuele Ricci join Como 1907?
He joined Como on 29 August 2026 from AC Milan, on loan until the end of the 2026–27 season with an option to buy.
Is Samuele Ricci a permanent Como player?
No. His initial move is a loan from AC Milan until 30 June 2027, with an option for Como to make the transfer permanent.
How tall is Samuele Ricci?
He is 1.81 metres tall.
Which clubs has Samuele Ricci played for?
At senior level, Ricci has played for Empoli, Torino and AC Milan, and he currently represents Como 1907 on loan.
How many appearances has Ricci made for Italy?
As of 12 November 2026, he has made 12 senior appearances for the Italian national team.
What is Samuele Ricci’s playing style?
Ricci is a technically gifted defensive midfielder who combines accurate passing, positional intelligence, composure under pressure and the ability to control the tempo of a game.
Who is Samuele Ricci’s manager at Como?
He plays under Cesc Fàbregas, Como 1907’s head coach.