Spalletti predicts ‘perfect’ Italy striker will become ‘a top player’ | OneFootball

Luciano Spalletti says Mateo Retegui is ‘perfect’ but predicts the Atalanta striker will become ‘a top player.’

Retegui scored a goal in each of the last two Azzurri games against Belgium and Israel.

A new Atalanta striker, the 25-year-old has six goals in 16 international matches with the Azzurri.

“He’s a strong footballer and a rigorous lad,” Spalletti said at a press conference last night, as quoted by TMW.

epa11659456 Matteo Retegui of Italy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI

“He is deadly inside the box and has learned how to properly link up with the team. He will become a top player. He’s entering the dynamics of a professional footballer. He’s less individualist, and he’s perfect now,” concluded the CT.

Retegui signed for Atalanta in a €22m deal from Genoa last summer. He’s the joint-leading scorer in Serie A, alongside Marcus Thuram, with seven goals in seven appearances.

During the same press conference, Spalletti praised the latest Azzurri debutants and the “immense” Sandro Tonali.