Mateo Retegui, the Argentine-Italian forward, has been making waves in the Italian football scene with his impressive performances in Serie A. Born on April 29, 1999, in Argentina, Retegui's journey to becoming a top-tier striker is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He is currently playing for Atalanta Bergamo, having joined the club in August 2024 after a brief stint with Genoa.
Retegui's career began with Boca Juniors in Argentina, where he was first promoted to the first team by manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto in 2017. He made his professional debut in November 2018 and went on to play for Estudiantes on loan before joining Tigre in 2022. In February 2023, he moved to Genoa, where he scored his first two goals in a Coppa Italia match against Modena.
Retegui's transfer to Atalanta was a significant move, especially given the injury to Gianluca Scamacca, an Italy teammate. Since joining Atalanta, Retegui has been unstoppable, scoring seven goals in seven Serie A matches. This impressive start has already matched his total from the previous season and has earned him recognition as one of the best-performing Italian players in the league.
Retegui's international career is equally impressive. Eligible to play for Italy through descent, he received his first call-up to the national team in March 2023. He made his debut on March 23, 2023, scoring against England in a Euro 2024 qualifying match. He continued to impress with goals against Malta and Venezuela, becoming the first player to score in his first two competitive matches for Italy since Pierino Prati in 1968.
In recent matches, Retegui has been instrumental in Italy's success. He scored twice against Venezuela in March 2024 and was named player of the match in Italy's 3-1 win over France in the UEFA Nations League. This performance has solidified his position as a key player for both Atalanta and the Italian national team.
Retegui's nickname, 'il Re tigre' or 'the tiger king,' reflects his fierce and dynamic playing style. His ability to adapt to different teams and leagues has been a hallmark of his career. As he continues to excel in Serie A and on the international stage, fans and pundits alike are eagerly watching to see how far this rising star will go.
1. Early Life and Family Background
Mateo Retegui was born and raised in Argentina. His maternal grandfather, Angelo Dimarco, emigrated from Canicatt, Sicily. Retegui's father's grandparents were also Italian, specifically from Genoa, while the others were Basque. His father, Carlos Retegui, is a former field hockey player who represented Argentina at various Pan American Games and Olympic Games.
Retegui's sister, Micaela, is also an Olympian in field hockey. This athletic lineage has likely influenced Retegui's dedication to his sport and his ability to perform under pressure.
2. Club Career Highlights
Retegui began his senior career with Boca Juniors before being loaned to Estudiantes in January 2019. He appeared eight times in the 2018-2019 season and scored five goals in twenty-one appearances during the 2019-2020 season.
In February 2022, Retegui joined Tigre on a loan deal until the end of 2023. He then moved to Genoa in July 2023 for a reported fee of 15 million. During his time at Genoa, he scored his first two goals in a Coppa Italia match against Modena.
Retegui's most recent transfer to Atalanta Bergamo in August 2024 has been highly successful, with him already matching his goal tally from the previous season in just seven matches.
3. International Career Achievements
Retegui's international career is marked by his debut for Italy on March 23, 2023. He scored against England in a Euro 2024 qualifying match and followed it up with a goal against Malta, becoming the first player to score in his first two competitive matches for Italy since Pierino Prati in 1968.
In March 2024, Retegui scored twice against Venezuela, further solidifying his position as a key player for Italy. He was also named player of the match in Italy's 3-1 win over France in the UEFA Nations League.
Retegui's inclusion in Italy's squad for UEFA Euro 2024 is a testament to his rapid rise in the football world. His ability to adapt and perform at the highest level has made him a valuable asset for both his club and national team.
As Mateo Retegui continues to excel in Serie A and on the international stage, fans and pundits alike are eagerly watching to see how far this rising star will go. With his impressive performances and dedication to the sport, it is clear that Retegui is here to stay in the world of football.
