Ricci joined King's College London following postdoctoral research at UCL and the University of California San Diego. His research investigates the neurophysiology of the human brain, with a particular focus on how neuronal excitability and plasticity shape behaviour and how these mechanisms can be probed using non-invasive brain stimulation.

His group develops and applies advanced transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methods, including controllable-pulse TMS, together with electromyography (EMG), electroencephalography (EEG) and behavioural measurements. Current research spans the mechanisms underlying motor learning and behavioural control, the intrinsic excitability and plasticity of human cortical neurons, and the development of physiological measures that can help explain and predict responses to brain stimulation and pharmacological interventions.

Ricci currently leads a BBSRC-funded programme developing new TMS approaches to measure intrinsic neuronal excitability and plasticity in the human brain. This work builds on research supported by the Academy of Medical Sciences investigating how TMS-derived measures of membrane excitability respond to antiseizure medications. He is also involved in the development and application of emerging brain-stimulation technologies, including transcranial focused ultrasound.

Ricci is a Reviewing Editor for The Journal of Physiology and contributes to postgraduate supervision and specialist training in human neurophysiology and brain stimulation, including workshops in transcranial magnetic stimulation.