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Torino midfielder Ricci: I used to study Pirlo, now it's Rodri

  /  autty

Ahead of Italy's Nations League tie with Israel, Ricci says it was important the Azzurri continued their momentum after Friday's win in France.

He stated: "I expect a very difficult match, they will be tough. However, after a victory like that we need to think a lot about ourselves and not sit back at all, not take the match lightly but give continuity."

On Italy coach Luciano Spalletti, he continued: “I thank him very much for the trust he gave in the last match.

"Many years still pass, I have to improve on many things. I see who is in my role, one in particular Rodri. Now he is the best of the best and I try to take inspiration from players like him. Before I watched (Andrea) Pirlo a lot."

Asked about victory in Paris, Ricci also said: “Certainly among the best, also for the depth of the match. I had never played a match like that… I had already played for the national team, but the atmosphere at the Parc des Princes is difficult to find elsewhere."