By hannover-web.com Mateo Retegui has made a striking impact since his surprise signing with Atalanta, seamlessly integrating into the team, a testament to the brilliance of his manager. In an interview, he shared insights into his journey from Argentina to Italy, including the pivotal moments that led to his rapid rise in European football.
When Roberto Mancini called Retegui last March, inviting him to represent the Italian national team, the striker didn’t hesitate. “I just said yes right away,” he recalled. Despite being born and raised in Argentina, with no experience of life in Italy and a language barrier, Retegui made his mark quickly, scoring on his international debut against England in Naples.
At the age of 23, playing for Tigre on loan from Boca Juniors, Retegui was not on many European scouts’ radar. He had a solid track record back home, netting 23 goals throughout 2022, but questions lingered about his potential. With his parent club opting not to recall him and Argentina’s coach uninterested in his Italian aspirations, it seemed like a critical juncture in his career.
Yet, his decision to play for Italy, highlighted by another goal in his second international appearance against Malta, opened doors. Genoa moved swiftly to sign him in the summer of 2023, where he scored seven goals in his debut Serie A season.
Despite his promising start, skepticism surrounded his abilities—he averaged a goal every 318 minutes, a lukewarm statistic given the adjustments of playing in a new country with a newly promoted team. Continued appearances for Italy stirred further intrigue, especially as Roberto Mancini stepped down amidst commentary on a shortage of striking talent in the national team.
Retegui was handed an unexpected opportunity when fellow striker Gianluca Scamacca injured his knee in early August. Just days later, he found himself signing with Atalanta. “They said: get your things, we need to go to Milan for a medical,” he explained about the whirlwind transition.
Atalanta’s purchase, rumored to be around €22 million plus bonuses, did raise eyebrows—Retegui’s playing style is vastly different from Scamacca’s traditional target forward role. However, under Gian Piero Gasperini’s guidance, the transition looked smoother than anticipated.
Gasparini’s reputation for strategically reshaping his teams is well established. With a track record that includes three distinct eras since his arrival, he has led Atalanta from a top-four threat to Champions League contenders, and now to their first-ever European trophy.
This summer brought its own hurdles as the team dealt with injuries and transfers. Yet, Retegui’s adjustment appeared effortless. Following a brief appearance in the Super Cup against Real Madrid, he made a notable entrance in Atalanta’s Serie A opener, scoring twice in a 4-0 victory over Lecce.
His performance oscillated between triumph and struggle; Retegui had notable moments, even as the team faced challenges, such as a heavy loss against Inter Milan. However, he quickly bounced back, finding the net again in subsequent matches, proving his worth by leading Serie A in scoring soon after.
“Retegui is showing great value,” Gasperini commented. “He arrived here very determined, and the few things we’ve asked him to do, he has executed on the pitch right away.”
The striker has already showcased his diverse skill set, netting goals in various forms—including headers and strikes with both feet, and even contributing assists. His adaptability to Gasperini’s new tactics has enabled him to thrive, focusing on his strengths as a forward.
Retegui himself noted that despite not having settled into a permanent home in Bergamo, he feels increasingly at home in Italian football. He also continued to impress on the national stage, scoring against both Belgium and Israel in recent Nations League fixtures.
“He’s a very serious lad,” remarked Italy manager Luciano Spalletti. “Inside the box, he is lethal. And now he’s learned how to connect with the team better. He’s going to become a top player.”
