Riccardo Pagano

Riccardo Pagano (born 28 November 2004) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for club Roma.

Club career
Born in Tivoli, Lazio, Riccardo Pagano joined the AS Roma academy as a 9 years old, from ASD Villanova Calcio, in Guidonia Montecelio.

Soon emerging as a leader with Rome youth teams, wearing the number 10 and the captain armband, he signed a contract with the agency of AS Roma legend Francesco Totti on the summer 2020.

Having established himself as standout with Roma's primavera —a team that won the 2023 Coppa Primavera —, he was first called by José Mourinho in May 2023, appearing on the bench against Fiorentina in Serie A.

He was again included in the professional squad for the pre-season 2023–24, showing his attacking qualities in the summer friendlies.

International career
Riccardo Pagano is a youth international for Italy, playing with as a captain since the under-16s in 2020, progressing until the under-19s in 2022.

Style of play
Pagano has been described as an attacking midfielder with good technique and creativity, able to vary his game and score in front of the goal. Good with both feet, he is also a free kick specialist.

An offensively-minded midfielder, Pagano is also able to play as a second striker or in a more central midfield position.