While the majority of Europe`s elite footballers disperse to represent their nations, the international break often provides a distinct opportunity for a select few. For AC Milan midfielders Samuele Ricci and Youssouf Fofana, this recent pause in club fixtures was less about rest and more about rigorous self-improvement, a determined effort to redefine their standing and reclaim their places on the grand international stage.
A National Team Absence: The Unsettling Truth
For Ricci, the memory of his last appearance in an Italy shirt dates back to a hard-fought victory against Moldova on June 9, 2025. Fofana`s French cap is even more distant, worn during a triumph over Belgium on October 14, 2024. Neither player found his name on the national team roster for the nascent 2025-26 season, a stark reality for individuals accustomed to, or aspiring for, international recognition.
This absence, however, has not been met with resignation. Instead, it has fueled a quiet, intense period of work at Milanello, the venerable training ground of AC Milan. With the facility largely deserted of international stars, Ricci and Fofana, alongside defensive stalwarts Tomori and Odogu, have dedicated themselves to demanding sessions under the watchful eye of head coach Stefano Pioli. Their objective is clear: solidify their integral roles within the Rossoneri squad and, consequently, reignite their ambitions for Italy and France.
Ricci`s Uphill Battle: Learning from the Masters
Samuele Ricci`s situation presents a unique challenge. Despite his talent, his playing time this season has been somewhat limited, tallying a mere 172 minutes across five appearances. The primary hurdle in his path? The monumental presence of Luka Modrić. Competing for minutes against a living legend is, one might argue, a formidable, if not character-building, experience.
Rino Gattuso, the current Italy national team coach, has offered a candid assessment: «He is paying for his own brilliance, but he must continue to learn and grow. Nothing is lost.»
This sentiment underscores a crucial point: Ricci`s omission is not a judgment on his potential, but rather a reflection of the fierce competition at the highest level and the ongoing refinement of his game. For a young midfielder, this period is less a setback and more an intense, personalized masterclass.
Fofana`s Paradox: Club Form Meets National Team Oversight
Youssouf Fofana`s narrative, conversely, is one of undeniable club prominence met with baffling international oversight. He has become a linchpin in Milan`s midfield, featuring in all eight of their matches this season, starting seven of them. Operating primarily as a right-sided central midfielder in Pioli`s 4-3-3 formation, Fofana consistently delivers a critical blend of tactical equilibrium, relentless intensity, and well-timed forward runs.
His consistent performances have cemented his status as a key component of Milan`s tactical machinery. Yet, despite this undisputed importance to his club, the call-up from Didier Deschamps for the French national team has eluded the former Monaco man. It`s a curious paradox, where a player`s significant contribution at club level does not yet translate into international selection, leaving observers to ponder the specific criteria Deschamps applies.
The Road Ahead: Consistency as the Key
For both Ricci and Fofana, the path back to their respective national teams is paved with the same fundamental truth: consistent, high-level performance for AC Milan. Their dedicated work during the international break is a testament to their professional drive and unwavering belief in their abilities.
As the season progresses, their performances will be under constant scrutiny – not just by Milan`s coaching staff, but also by the national team selectors. While the quiet hum of Milanello may have replaced the roar of international stadiums for a brief period, the ambition radiating from Ricci and Fofana is anything but subtle. Their resolve to prove their worth, both for their club and their country, remains an unwavering force, promising a compelling narrative for the remainder of the season.