Roberto Mancini surprised many by calling up Argentine-born forward Mateo Retegui for Italy’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against England and Malta.
The Azzurri confirmed Mancini’s 30-man squad ahead of the upcoming international break and the 23-year-old Tigre striker was one of eight forwards called up for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, raising some eyebrows amongst supporters.
A physically imposing striker, the 1.86m-tall Retegui has scored six goals in seven league appearances this season for Tigre, attracting the attention of a number of clubs in Europe including Milan.
Mancini explained why Italy called up Retegui when speaking to DAZN on Monday, saying: “We’ve been following Retegui for a while, he’s been playing regularly in the Argentinean league for two seasons. He has qualities that we currently lack. We thought he didn’t want to join, but he accepted, so we called him.”
Looking at the eight forwards called up by Italy for the Euro 2024 qualifiers, it’s clear to see why the 23-year-old was given a chance. There is a clear lack of true central strikers in the squad, with Gianluca Scamacca being the only other target man in the team.
The 24-year-old has struggled to show his best with West Ham this season and hasn’t appeared in their last seven league outings, dealing with a knee injury. The injury to Ciro Immobile removed another option, forcing Mancini to consider giving Retegui a chance.