From Fiorentina to AC Milan – A Journey of Versatility, Pace, and Technical Brilliance
Riccardo Sottil, born on June 3, 1999, in Turin, Italy, is a dynamic and versatile professional footballer who has carved a niche for himself as a promising winger and attacking midfielder. Known for his blistering pace, technical finesse, and creative flair, Sottil has become a player to watch in Italian football. Currently on loan at AC Milan from Fiorentina, he is poised to make a significant impact in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues.
Sottil’s footballing journey has been shaped by his time at Fiorentina, where he honed his skills in the youth academy before gaining valuable experience through loan spells at Pescara and Cagliari. His ability to take on defenders, deliver key passes, and contribute in the final third has made him a valuable asset for both club and country. Now, at AC Milan, Sottil faces the challenge of proving himself among a squad brimming with talent and ambition.
Club Career
Fiorentina: Early Development and Senior Debut
Sottil’s footballing journey began at Fiorentina, where he joined the youth setup in January 2016. His performances in the Primavera (youth team) quickly marked him as one of the club’s most promising talents. By the 2017–18 season, he earned his first call-up to the senior team, making his Serie A debut on September 19, 2018, against Sampdoria. Coming on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Federico Chiesa, Sottil took his first steps into professional football.
Pescara (Loan): Gaining First-Team Experience
In January 2019, Sottil was loaned to Serie B side Pescara to gain regular playing time. This move proved crucial for his development, as he adapted to the physical and tactical demands of senior football. His time at Pescara allowed him to refine his skills and build confidence, setting the stage for his return to Serie A.
Cagliari (Loan): Serie A Breakthrough
Sottil’s next loan move came in September 2020, when he joined Cagliari for the 2020–21 season. This stint marked his Serie A breakthrough, as he showcased his dribbling ability, pace, and attacking versatility. His performances at Cagliari solidified his reputation as a capable winger, earning him recognition as a rising star in Italian football.
AC Milan (Loan): A New Challenge
In February 2025, Sottil secured a high-profile loan move to AC Milan, a club with a rich history and high ambitions. This transfer represents a pivotal moment in his career, as he competes for a place in a squad filled with world-class talent. With an option for Milan to make the move permanent, Sottil has the opportunity to establish himself as a key player for one of Italy’s most prestigious clubs.
International Career
Italy U18: First International Call-Up
Sottil’s international journey began in August 2016 when he was called up to the Italy U18 team. This marked the start of his progression through Italy’s youth ranks, where he gained valuable experience in international competitions.
Italy U19: European Championship Qualification
In October 2017, Sottil earned a call-up to the Italy U19 team for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers. Although he wasn’t selected for the final tournament, his inclusion highlighted his growing reputation as a talented winger.
Italy U20: Under 20 Elite League Participation
Sottil continued his development with the Italy U20 team, participating in the 2018–19 Under 20 Elite League. This competition provided him with the opportunity to test himself against some of Europe’s best young talents.
Italy U21: Stepping Up to the Next Level
In September 2019, Sottil made his debut for the Italy U21 team in a 4–0 victory against Moldova. His inclusion in the U21 squad underscored his potential to break into the senior national team in the future.
Personal Life
Born into a footballing family, Sottil’s father, Andrea Sottil, is a former professional footballer and current manager. This background has deeply influenced Riccardo’s understanding of the game. Despite his rising fame, Sottil maintains a private personal life, focusing on his career and occasionally sharing glimpses of his life on social media. He is known for his dedication to fitness and continuous improvement, often drawing inspiration from top wingers in world football.
Playing Style
Sottil is a versatile attacker, capable of playing as a winger or attacking midfielder. His playing style is defined by his pace, dribbling ability, and direct approach in one-on-one situations. He excels in wide areas, using his agility and technical skills to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities. Sottil is also effective in build-up play, linking up with teammates and delivering accurate crosses. Defensively, he contributes with his work rate and pressing, making him a well-rounded player.
Iconic Performances
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Breakthrough Performance at Cagliari (2020–21): Sottil’s standout display in a Serie A match, where he scored a crucial goal and provided an assist, showcased his ability to compete at the highest level.
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Italy U21 Debut Against Moldova (2019): A dominant 4–0 victory highlighted Sottil’s attacking intent and sharp movements.
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Decisive Display for Fiorentina: A key performance in a Serie A match demonstrated his ability to influence games with his creativity and work rate.
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First Big-Game Impact at AC Milan (2025): Sottil’s early appearances for Milan showcased his speed, technical skills, and ability to perform under pressure.
Career Statistics
| Club | Season | League | Coppa Italia | Europe | Other | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiorentina | 2018–19 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| 2019–20 | 18 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 21 | |
| 2021–22 | 24 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 33 | |
| 2022–23 | 18 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 20 | |
| 2023–24 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 25 | |
| 2024–25 | 18 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 21 | |
| Total | 102 | 6 | 12 | 2 | 122 | |
| Pescara (loan) | 2018–19 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 11 |
| Cagliari (loan) | 2020–21 | 21 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 28 |
| Milan (loan) | 2024–25 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Career Total | 135 | 9 | 16 | 4 | 164 |
Honors and Achievements
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Coppa Italia Runner-Up (2022–23): Played a key role in Fiorentina’s run to the final.
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UEFA Europa Conference League Runner-Up (2022–23): Contributed to Fiorentina’s impressive European campaign.
Looking Ahead
Sottil’s future is filled with potential. His loan spell at AC Milan offers him the chance to prove himself at the highest level, with the possibility of a permanent move. If he continues to develop his game and deliver consistent performances, he could establish himself as a key player for both club and country. Whether at Milan, Fiorentina, or elsewhere, Sottil’s journey is one to watch as he aims to fulfill his immense potential.
This detailed rewrite provides a comprehensive overview of Riccardo Sottil’s career, playing style, and future prospects, accompanied by a clear table of his career statistics.
