Both men have arrived this summer to spark a new era for the Rossonero.
Ricci told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "We have a good connection: we're both Tuscans and we understand each other quite well... (laughs).
"He asks us midfielders to be solid: technically, we have to try to suffer as few inside passes as possible and play the ball quickly and forward because we know the quality and speed of our wingers. If we put them in a position to hurt them, even using the switch of play, everything is easier."
On Milan's 4-2 preseason win against Liverpool in Hong Kong, Ricci is keeping his feet on the ground: "Against Arsenal we struggled in possession, but in Hong Kong against Liverpool we improved, especially on the counterattack. The key? Don't get too excited."