Ricchiuti exclusive: Catania in Serie A; learning from Mihajlovic and Simeone

Born in Argentina, he combined South American flair with European tactical discipline, representing clubs such as Rimini, Genoa, Livorno and Catania during his successful career spanning more than two decades.

Now a coach, Ricchiuti continues to inspire the football world. In an exclusive interview with Tribalfootball, he reflects on his playing career, iconic teammates, legendary coaches and the future of football.

You played for different clubs such as Genoa, Livorno and Catania. Which experience was the most rewarding and which was the most challenging?

I was fortunate to play for many important teams in Italy, and each of them taught me valuable lessons. All experiences were special, but if I had to choose, my time in Rimini and Catania stood out as the most rewarding.

During your time at Genoa you played alongside Davide Nicola, now a renowned coach. What was he like as a player and how do you view his coaching career, especially his work at Cagliari?

Davide was an excellent player, a fantastic right-back and an even better person. He was fun and brought positivity to the team. As a coach, his career speaks volumes. He has achieved consistent success, often in situations where people initially doubted him. At Cagliari he faced challenges early on, but the results started coming. He is doing great and deserves every success for the future.

You were part of a successful Catania team that qualified for European competitions. What was that experience like?

That period was one of the best in the history of Catania and my career. The city and its people were fantastic, and those four years were truly magical. We had a strong group, excellent coaches and great fans supporting us everywhere we went. They have played a major role in our performance.

What was it like to play with stars like Maxi López, Pablo Ledesma, Schelotto, Legrottaglie and Suazo in Catania?

It was an honor to share the field with such great players. In addition to their talent, we had a strong bond in the locker room; we were like brothers, always supporting each other and fighting for each other. I learned so much from them, not only as players but also as people.

Papu Gómez was one of the most skilled and technical players in Serie A. What was it like playing with him and what is your view of his career?

Papu came to Catania as a young, talented player. From the first moment you could see his exceptional skill and technique. He came of age at Atalanta and under a great coach like Gasperini he became an extraordinary player. Off the field, Papu was a positive, genuine person. His career has been nothing short of impressive.

You played for notable coaches like Giampaolo, Maran and Montella at Catania. What was it like working with them?

I was fortunate to work with such incredible coaches. Each of them taught me a lot, and it's hard to put into words the impact they had on me. They, together with Sinisa Mihajlović and Diego Simeone, shaped me as a player and as a person. I will always be grateful.

What was it like working with Sinisa Mihajlović and how would you describe him as a coach?

Sinisa was a special individual: an excellent player and an even better person. His qualities as a person were extraordinary. Words cannot fully express the impact he had on me. I will always cherish the memories of working with him.

You also worked with Diego Simeone at Catania. What was he like as a coach?

Simeone joined us when he was just starting his coaching career, but even then you could tell he had something special. His passion, knowledge and leadership were incredible. I'm glad I was coached by him and learned so much.

What is your view on Diego Simeone's success at Atlético Madrid and their performances this season?

What he has achieved at Atlético Madrid is remarkable. The club has transformed under his leadership and consistently competes at the highest level. He has done an extraordinary job year after year and my compliments also go to him for his success this season.

As a former Genoa player, what do you think of their current performances and the arrival of Balotelli?

Genoa has faced many challenges this season, especially after losing key players over the summer. Injuries have also played a role. I think it will be a difficult year for them, but I hope they manage to overcome these difficulties and achieve positive results.

After retiring as a player, you began your journey as a coach. How have the experiences been so far and what are your goals for the future?

This is my third year as a coach and it has been an ongoing learning experience. Every opportunity has taught me something new, and I am grateful to those who believed in me. My goal is to continue to grow, improve and one day make a significant impact as a coach.

Finally, what do you think of Argentina's recent performances and the future of the national team?

Argentina has been the strongest team in recent years and the number one position is no coincidence. Under Scaloni, the team has developed a great sense of unity and joy. I am optimistic about the future and confident that we will continue to achieve great results.