Mateo Retegui, when he was called up to the national team, was an illustrious unknown. “Many compare him to Denis” coach Roberto Mancini said at the time. “I don’t want to say exaggerated things, I remember Batistuta when he arrived in Italy and, well, he’s a player who can resemble him. Coming from Argentina like this, to a national team, I don’t think it’s that simple. I think he needs a little time. But he is a very polite, smart boy, a good center forward. He’s young, he’s smart, I think it won’t take him long to integrate. We have great confidence. But we have to give him some time.”
He had plenty of time and Retegui responded, coming to Italy, to Genoa, and attracting the attention of first-tier clubs, such as Juventus, who followed and evaluated him this season. He could also sink, in June, for the role of deputy Vlahovic. Much will also depend on the others: Milik, Kean and Chiesa, as well as Yildiz who should still remain at Juventus. Eight goals this season in twenty-seven appearances, a supporting role compared to his strike partner Gudmundsson but the feeling that he can only improve after a year of apprenticeship.
Retegui can therefore be the center forward of the European Championship, even if the competition is starting to get thick. With a Scamacca like this it will be difficult to be the starter, but to work towards the role of first reserve. In any case, something that at the beginning of 2023 no one would have even dreamed of thinking. Today Mateo Retegui turns 25.