'Luka Modric is a giant!' - Gennaro Gattuso tells AC Milan midfielder to watch and learn from Real Madrid great as Italy boss explains decision to leave star out of squad

Ricci made his debut for Italy in 2022, at the age of 20-year-old, while he was still a Torino player. After spending three and a half seasons at the Stadio Olimpico Grande Torino, he was snapped up by Serie A giants Milan for a fee of around €25m (£22m/$29m). While he has started both matches in the Coppa Italia, he has made three substitute appearances in the Italian top-flight – totalling 61 minutes – and remained an unused substitute in the other three games. His lack of playing time led to his exclusion from the Italy squad for the October international break.

Speaking to reporters this week, Gattuso said: "It's a shame, but nothing is lost. Quite the contrary. Playing time is important; getting minutes under your belt is important. I feel sorry for him because he has a giant like Modric ahead of him, but training with him can do him good. Watching him. He's paying the price for his talent right now; he's not getting much playing time, but nothing is lost for him either. I hope he manages to find his place."

Modric has hit the ground running in the 2025-26 season, with the 40-year-old midfield maestro playing a pivotal role in ensuring Massimiliano Allegri's side made an impressive start to the campaign. He has started all six Serie A games and saw out the full 90 minutes on four of those occasions. 

The Rossoneri have a tough run of fixtures over the next few weeks, which will put their credentials as title contenders to the test. After facing Fiorentina on October 19, they will take on Pisa, Atalanta, and Roma in the next three weeks.