Roberto Mancini paid Mateo Retegui the ultimate compliment as he compared the new Azzuri striker to Gabriel Batistuta
Roberto Mancini sees similarities between Serie A and Albicelester legend, Gabriel Batistuta, and Mateo Retegui, an Argentina-born striker who will represent Italy in the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Mancini has high praise for Retegui
The Tigre striker Retegui, who has played his entire professional career in Argentina, will make his debut for Italy in their match against England on Thursday.
Despite being born and raised in Argentina, Retegui is eligible to play for Italy due to his grandfather’s nationality.
“Coming like this from Argentina to Italy, not in a club team, is not so simple,” coach Mancini said ahead of the England game.
“It takes some time, but the guy is polite and smart. He is a good striker, young, we have great confidence and we have to give him some time.”
Mateo Retegui has an impressive scoring record of 28 goals in 48 matches in the Argentine Primera Division for Tigre.
Roberto Mancini acknowledged similarities between Retegui and former Napoli forward German Denis, but he preferred to liken Retegui to the legendary Gabriel Batistuta.
“[Retegui] is a classic striker, I see that many compare him to Denis,” Mancini said. “I remember when Batistuta arrived in Italy, he reminds me of him.
“Clearly, he is a young guy and needs time and to grow. But I don’t think it will take long to settle in.”
