Mateo Retegui: Italy’s New Number 9

Mateo Retegui has rapidly emerged as one of the most talked-about strikers in European football, carving out a unique path from Argentina to the forefront of the Italian national team. His journey is a compelling tale of perseverance, a keen eye for goal, and a surprising international allegiance that has captured the imagination of fans. Known for his robust physical presence and clinical finishing, Retegui represents a classic No. 9 profile that many top leagues, and indeed the Azzurri, have been yearning for. His transition to Serie A with Genoa has only solidified his reputation as a formidable goalscorer capable of thriving against the world’s most disciplined defenses.

The story of Mateo Retegui is not one of a typical European prodigy. Born in San Fernando, Argentina, his initial career trajectory was firmly rooted in South America. He began his journey in the prestigious youth academy of Boca Juniors, a club renowned for producing world-class talent. However, breaking into the first team at La Bombonera proved challenging, a common hurdle for many young players at such a massive club. To gain valuable first-team experience, he embarked on a series of loan spells that would ultimately define his career and put him on the map.

## The Rise of Mateo Retegui: From Argentina to Azzurri

His initial loan spells at Estudiantes and Talleres were formative, allowing him to adapt to the rigors of professional top-flight football. While he showed flashes of his potential, it was his move to Tigre that ignited his career. It was here that Mateo Retegui transformed from a promising young forward into one of the most feared strikers in the Argentine Primera División. During the 2022 season, he was simply unstoppable, finishing as the league’s top scorer with an impressive 19 goals. He followed that up with 11 goals in the 2023 season before his eventual move to Europe.

### Breakthrough at Tigre
At Tigre, Retegui honed his craft, becoming the undisputed focal point of their attack. His style of play flourished; he was not just a poacher but a complete forward. He demonstrated an incredible ability to hold up the ball, bring teammates into play, and relentlessly press defenders. His strength, combined with a surprising burst of pace and an innate ability to find space in the penalty area, made him a nightmare for opponents. This prolific spell did not go unnoticed, and while many expected a top South American or perhaps a mid-tier European club to make a move, a far more surprising suitor emerged.

### The Surprise Call-Up
In March 2023, the football world was stunned when then-Italy manager Roberto Mancini named Mateo Retegui in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers. Retegui, who had never played in Europe, qualified for the Azzurri through his maternal grandmother from Canicattì, Sicily. Mancini, desperate for a reliable goalscorer, took a calculated gamble on the Argentine-born striker, a decision that would pay immediate dividends and signal a new chapter for both player and country.

## A Clinical Finisher: Analyzing Retegui’s Playing Style

What makes Mateo Retegui such an effective striker is his blend of traditional and modern forward attributes. He is, first and foremost, a penalty-box predator. His movement is intelligent, and his primary instinct is to get into high-percentage scoring positions. He possesses a powerful and accurate shot with both feet, but his true strength lies in his one-touch finishing ability. He doesn’t need much time or space to get a shot off, a crucial skill for any top-level forward.

His physical presence is a cornerstone of his game. Standing at 6’1″, he uses his body exceptionally well to shield the ball from defenders, making him an excellent target man. This allows his team to play more direct, knowing they have an outlet who can win physical duels and retain possession high up the pitch. Furthermore, his work rate is commendable. He actively participates in the team’s defensive structure, pressing from the front and making it difficult for opposing defenses to build from the back.

## The Genoa Chapter: Conquering Serie A

Following his sensational international debut, a move to Italy seemed inevitable. In the summer of 2023, Genoa C.F.C. secured his signature, bringing the much-hyped striker to Serie A. The pressure was immense, but Retegui wasted no time in making his mark. He scored twice on his debut for the Grifone in a Coppa Italia match, immediately endearing himself to the fans.

He adapted to