Riccardi delighted to make Roma debut

Riccardi, 17, came on in the final 10 minutes to make his first appearance for his boyhood club – as coach Eusebio Di Francesco took a closer look at one of stars of this season’s Primavera team.

The young midfielder had previously been named in Serie A matchday squads on a couple of occasions this season, but this was the first time he made it onto the pitch – and he admitted it was an experience he will not soon forget.

“To have sat on the bench in the league a few times already felt amazing,” Riccardi told Roma TV.

“Then to come on tonight, in the Coppa Italia, and make my debut – it’s even more exciting!

“I had thought a little bit beforehand that perhaps I might come on. Then during the second half when they called me back from the warm-up, my heart was going a thousand beats a minute – I had goosebumps!”

He added: “The coach told me to keep calm and play the ball forward as I know how to.”

Riccardi has proven to be a versatile player for the Primavera, playing in both advanced and defensive midfield roles already this season.

“I will do whatever the coach asks of me,” Riccardi said.

“Today the coach asked me to play a bit deeper and I’m happy to do that.”