How Mateo Retegui is proving to be the striker Italian football longed for

Despite rumors about a possible transfer to Inter Milan, it was Genoa who bought Retegui from Boca Juniors in July 2023 for €15 million.

His first season in Italy brought seven goals in 29 Serie A games, but he spent three months injured and was asked by coach Alberto Gilardino to push hard.

Retegui’s qualities, however, were evident: he was very comfortable in the area and always looking to shoot.

In August 2024, another attentive coach saw something special in him: Gian Piero Gasperini.

The Atalanta coach is known for his strong personality, which led to disputes with players such as Alejandro Gómez, Timothy Castagne and Pierluigi Gollini, but his ability to develop players is indisputable.

Retegui, who flourished in Bergamo, is the latest to take advantage of it.

He scored 11 goals in his first 12 Serie A games for Atalanta: a goal every 71 minutes. Atalanta is second in the table and has the best attack in the league, largely thanks to Retegui and, of course, Gasperini.

“I love the way he [Gasperini] wants us to play, we all push forward, we go up the field and create a lot of opportunities,” Retegui said in September.

“I spoke a lot with the coach and his staff. They also showed me videos of what they expect from me. It’s an ideal situation for me: they want the best from me and they know how to get it. And I really want to learn.”

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