Ricci hopes Italy play ‘as strongly against Israel’ as they did against France

Italy midfielder Samuele Ricci hopes Italy play ‘as strongly’ against Israel as they did during their impressive 3-1 victory away against France on Friday night, when the Azzurri line up for their second match of the new Nations League campaign.

Ricci joined CT Luciano Spalletti for the customary pre-match press conferences on Sunday evening. 

Ricci on France performance, Israel threat and praise for Tonali

The Torino midfielder made his full senior debut against France on Friday night, having made a cameo appearance off the bench under Roberto Mancini back in 2022. He received rave reviews from the press at home and abroad, with some listing him as Spalletti’s man of the match.

“I didn’t expect such a feat, for myself or for the team, but I believed a lot in the work we did at Coverciano in the build-up. We had a very united group and we put everything into the match. We have a lot of strong players in the national team,” Ricci said of his performance against France, reported via TMW.

He was able to line up alongside the returning Sandro Tonali, who had not featured for Italy in a year.

“He’s always been a strong player, one of the most complete midfielders in the world and playing with him in the middle of the park makes everyone’s work easier.

Ricci admitted that Israel are somewhat of an unknown quantity for him, but he expects a strong test from Alon Hazan’s side.

“Honestly, I don’t know the Israeli players very well, but they will definitely give us a bit of trouble and they will also have some very promising young players. We will have to be very careful.

“We come off a victory against France, but we can’t get distracted, these are the most difficult matches. We have to show the same attitude we showed against France.”

Ricci declared himself ready to play, whether that be in a three like on Friday, or in a two-man midfield.

“If he puts me on the pitch, there won’t be a problem. A bit of nerves are part of the game, but these are the best games to play in and you always have to be ready. You have to try and do well in training and then put the work into the game. You have to be at 101% in training to play in the games.”

Ricci was asked about his decision making when he decided to round Kylian Mbappe in his own penalty area on Friday night.

“Maybe it’s a bit of recklessness, but every footballer has certain instincts that come naturally. Things that come naturally often work better than other ideas. But yes, I was in the penalty area, took a bit of a risk, but it went well.”

Ricci on Italy togetherness and Pirlo inspiration

Ricci believes that the team are in the right place mentally after a tough summer at EURO 2024.

“The spirit is great. I am convinced that we will play as well against Israel as we did against France. This is a united group, almost all of us play in Serie A, so we know each other well and I think this can make a difference.”

The exciting midfield prospect also revealed which Italian player has inspired him the most.

“I watched Pirlo a lot, being a midfielder. But there have been so many in the past. We’ve had so many strong players, but the player I watched the most was definitely Pirlo.

He ended his first Italy press conference with an unfortunate, but amusing anecdote about his parents.

“So many people have written to me, even guys I haven’t heard from in a long time. It makes me happy. After games, I’m always excited to hear from my parents.

“Imagine this, though, it was the only game they haven’t been able to see, even though they always follow me, because it clashed with their holiday in Corsica.”