Tricella was born at Cernusco sul Naviglio, near Milan. During his club career he played for Inter (1977–79), Hellas Verona (1979–87), Juventus (1987–90), and Bologna (1990–92). With Inter, he made his Serie A debut, also winning the 1977–78 Coppa Italia. He later moved to Serie B club Hellas Verona, and during the 1984–85 Serie A season, he notably captained Osvaldo Bagnoli's Verona to an historic Serie A victory, the only league victory in the club's history. He later transferred to Juventus in 1987, as an intended replacement for Gaetano Scirea, and during his final season with the club, he briefly served as the club's captain in 1989, and was able to capture a Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup double, under manager Dino Zoff.