Can Retegui prove the right striker for Italy? | OneFootball

Mateo Retegui has the chance to prove himself the right number nine for Italy in the friendlies against Venezuela and Ecuador, a unique opportunity ahead of Euro 2024.

The Argentine-born striker was a surprise addition to Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri squad back in March 2023, but he immediately impressed with goals against England and Malta in his first two caps, seeming to be the missing link in the system.

Retegui hasn’t scored for Italy since then, but his move to Genoa has proven a success so far. The 24-year-old has netted eight goals across 24 games for Alberto Gilardino’s side, impressing despite injuries disrupting his season.

The Genoa forward is now expected to start for Luciano Spalletti’s Italy in their friendly with Venezuela, and a strong performance could earn him a second start against Ecuador. Doing well in these games could pay dividends ahead of this summer’s European Championship.

There’s still no nailed-on goalscorer in Spalletti’s squad, so Retegui has been presented with a golden opportunity to prove himself, a year after his initial arrival in an Azzurri shirt.