Spalletti tips Retegui for greater heights

Luciano Spalletti has tipped Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui for the top, describing the 25-year-old as a perfect player.

He made this prediction after the former Genoa forward scored a goal in the last two Azzurri games against Belgium and Israel. 

Retegui joined La Dea this summer for a deal around a €22m deal and hit the ground running. The striker scored seven goalss and assisted one goal in seven Serie Agameses for Atalanta.

This earned him a call-up to the national team. He also delivered in both games, scoring a goal each.

The Atalanta striker also has six goals in 16 international matches with the Azzurri.

Speaking during the post-match conference after the 4-1 victory over Israel, Spalletti said the 25-year-old is a strong footballer and a rigorous lad.

Retegui opened the goals account against their visitors from the penalty spot before a brace from skipper of the night Giovanni Di Lorenzo and a goal from Davide Fratessi.

“He is deadly inside the box and has learned how to link up with the team properly. He will become a top player. He’s entering the dynamics of a professional footballer. He’s less individualist and perfect now,” the former Napoli manager added.

Retegui is the joint-leading scorer in Serie A, alongside Marcus Thuram, with seven goals in seven appearances.

Spalletti further praised the latest Azzurri debutants and the “immense” Sandro Tonali, who gave his all for the team during the games.

It was a great moment for Daniel Maldini to debut for the Azzurri, and his father was in the stands to witness the historic moment. This is now the first time that three generations will be wearing the national team jersey, as the winger followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, Cesare Maldini, and his father, Paolo.

Maldini also made an instant impact with a nutmeg for a pass to fellow substitute Destiny Udogie, who laid a sweet pass for Di Lorenzo to get his brace.