Tricella earned 11 caps for the Italy national team from 1984 to 1987, and he was included in Italy's 1986 FIFA World Cup squad under Enzo Bearzot, although he did not play in the tournament, serving as Gaetano Scirea's backup in the libero role. Under Bearzot's successor, manager Azeglio Vicini, he also received little space due to the presence of Franco Baresi on the team.[4] He also competed for Italy at the 1984 Summer Olympics, where the team finished in fourth place after a semi-final defeat.[6][7]
Style of play
A tenacious but fair defender, Tricella was known for his ability to time his challenges, as well as his ability to defend opponents in one on one situations, due to his mobility. He was also capable of starting quick attacking plays after winning back possession courtesy of his tactical intelligence, range of passing, and elegance on the ball. Although he was also capable of playing as a centre-back, he was most frequently deployed as a sweeper throughout his career, and stood out for his more modern interpretation of the role, which saw him often advance with the ball and launch counter-attacks with long passes, rather than simply clearing the ball away in the mold of a more traditional sweeper.[8]
