He’s one of the veterans of this team. After taking part in the European Championship with the U17s and U19s, Samuele Ricci received his first U21 call-up in October 2020 and then made his debut as a starter in the Azzurrini’s 2-0 victory over Ireland in Euro qualifying. A key figure in midfield, Ricci, who has been promoted to captain, is back after winning his first senior cap against Germany on 4 June.

“Compared to the new faces and youngest players, I feel like a leader in this team alongside those who have been involved with the U21s for a number of years,” said Ricci. “We need to set an example in terms of giving everything; we have to fire up the others. It’s not something that weighs heavily on our shoulders, it’s greatly satisfying.”

Italy will face the Republic of Ireland in two days’ time, but Ricci also commented on the team’s performance against Sweden: “Our approach to the game could have been better: we weren’t quite at it and I don’t know why. Then, we got a grip of things and performed really well, although we could have been more clinical in front of goal and taken the many chances that came our way. We need to do better in this regard.”

Just like Nicolato, Ricci is hoping to see the crowd back the team all the way in Ascoli Piceno: “I hope a lot of fans will be there. This can help a lot because when you play in front of a full stadium and you’re being cheered on, it’s fantastic. At certain points of the game, it can also give you something extra.”

As regards the Azzurrini’s next opponents, Ricci had the following to say: “They’re a very physical side with good individuals, but we shouldn’t be afraid of them: we’re Italy and possess quality ourselves. We need to impose our game and are capable of making things difficult for them when we have the ball. We also need to take more of our opportunities.”