Italy boss Roberto Mancini compared Mateo Retegui to Gabriel Batistuta

Italian national team boss Roberto Mancini has compared Mateo Retegui to a younger version of Gabriel Batistuta.

Retegui was recently called up to the Italian national team side for the first time in his career and the striker is expected to start for the Azzurri against England. His debut could come in the absence of Ciro Immobile, who has endured an injury-stricken campaign for club and country.

While there remain doubts about Retegui’s ability in front of goal, Mancini recently compared the striker to Batisuta when asked about any player that Retegui reminds him of. He also praised the Tigre striker for his personality.

He stated (via Sky Italia): “He doesn’t remind me of Vieri but of other Argentines seen in Italy. If I have to name names, I’ll say Batistuta. But he’s very young, he arrived in Italy suddenly and is therefore, calm. He needs time but he has quality. He is smart and polite. Let’s hope for the best.”

Retegui is currently on loan at Tigre from Boca Juniors but he has impressed in the league for the Argentine side, scoring six times in eight appearances for the club. 

He is expected to start upfront for Mancini’s side today, with Giacomo Raspadori also out due to injury. He is expected to be flanked by Domenico Berardi and Vincenzo Grifo.

 

 

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN

 

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