Italy goalscorer Mateo Retegui is enjoying life in the national team set-up under Luciano Spalletti, but he is aware that he still has to earn his place in the squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany this summer.

The Argentina-born Genoa striker netted twice for Italy in Thursday night’s international friendly against Venezuela in the United States, becoming the first active Genoa player to score a brace for the Azzurri in 96 years in the process.

After his promising display for the national side, Retegui sat down for an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, published on Saturday.

Asked how he is able to sleep after performances like his one in Miami, Retegui replied: “Very well. Rested, calm, happy to have given my all. It was important to play well and win, which is what the coach asked of us. It’s been a bit difficult recently due to the injury.

“My family is always close by to me and they’ve helped me become who I am today. They were very happy with my performance. My godfather was also there, we hugged each other, we all had a coffee together, it was a nice moment. I will always be grateful for them.”

La Gazzetta mentioned that some supporters have begun drawing comparisons to the great Gabriel Batistua again, but Retegui is determined not to let the praise get to his head.

“Stay calm, let’s keep our feet on the ground. I’m not looking too far into the future, we already have to work hard to improve day by day to become stronger and stronger. I’m here with Italy and it’s a great result.”

Retegui was keen to thank two coaches past and present for his involvement in the national team: “I have to thank two people: Mancini who called me up and Spalletti who has given me a run of games.”

“I’m always ready to play. The better I feel, the calmer I am and the easier everything becomes.

The 24-year-old has now scored four times in his first five Italy caps, but he still feels that he has to earn his spot with the Euros approaching this summer.

“Football is my life. But there is still plenty of time left before Germany. I don’t know if I’ll play in the European Championship, the coach has said that nobody has the role permanently. If I don’t go, though, I’ll root for Italy. I have to earn the job.

“I’m resting ahead of Ecuador, in case Spalletti needs me. And then returning to Genoa and continuing to score goals for the Rossoblu.

“I was right to choose Italy. Now I have to deserve it. I know I can’t stop. I chose this and I want to play as much as possible.”

One thought on “Retegui: ‘I don’t know if I’ll play at the Euros, I have to earn it’”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Tickets Kit Collector