Will Mateo Retegui switch colours again? That’s the question burning across Bergamo, Milan and beyond. The Italian international has bulldozed his way through Serie A defences with 23 goals for Atalanta—top of the scoring charts and already a symbol of their Scudetto push (even if it has faded). The Atalanta standings look very good. But how long can they realistically cling to their golden striker?
Compared to Batistuta, Retegui Earns His Applause – and Mancini’s Faith
Italy, a nation once blessed with Pippo Inzaghi’s snarl and Francisco Totti’s finesse, had endured a post-striker marasmus—aching for a proper No.9. Euro 2020 was won with Ciro Immobile and Andrea Belotti—a miracle in its own right. But the out-and-out forward drought continued.
Then came Retegui. He was Argentine-born, unknown to most Italians. He was the son of Olympic hockey medallists and grandson of Italians from Genoa, despite having a surname more commonly associated with the Basque Country.
And yet, two goals in two games—against England and Malta—announced him like thunder. Mancini was unwavering: “Mateo reminds me of Batistuta. A real centre-forward. He can score. That’s not peanuts.”
Like Batistuta, Retegui brought South American fire and precision to a league that rewards clinical chaos. And now, under the ruthless gaze of Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, he’s sharpened into something even more lethal.
Since then, he’s earned the respect of the following Italian head coach: Luciano Spalletti spoke of a necessary “generational change,” and Retegui was the first real signal of that revolution. His goals against Israel and Belgium in the Nations League have secured a seeded World Cup qualifying place.
Flourishing in Bergamo – The Perfect Marriage of Fire and Fury
When Genoa secured Retegui from Boca Juniors in 2023, it was with quiet expectation, not full-blown fanfare. His first campaign saw seven goals in 29 matches, muted somewhat by injury…but the signs were there even then: Retegui lived for the box.
Then Gasperini came calling, and the man exploded. Eleven goals in his first 12 Serie A matches for Atalanta—a goal every 71 minutes. Atalanta, second in the league, now boasts the most potent attack in Italy. The Atalanta standings reflect it, but more than that, this is football with a cause, and Retegui is its spearhead.
“I love how Gasperini wants us to play,” Retegui said. “The staff pushed me and showed me what they expected. I’m here to learn, to score, and to thrive.”
And thrive he has. Gone is the raw potential—this is a player who now drops deep, plays with his back to goal, links play, and creates space for players like Ademola Lookman to attack the box. It’s no coincidence that Lookman has 13 goals—Retegui facilitates chaos.
The AC Milan Blunder – Matutolypea in Rossoneri Red
Oh, how Milan must feel the sting of regret. Retegui was offered to AC Milan. The interest was mutual. But in a baffling act of matutolypea—decision-making ruined by early hesitation—they opted instead for Álvaro Morata. A nostalgic choice. A mistake steeped in retrophilia, perhaps, as Milan chased former glories.
Morata? Loaned to Galatasaray. A transfer misstep that belongs in the Museum of Misguided Ambitions. The AC Milan standings could look very different had they pulled the trigger on Retegui. But could they still correct the error?
The AC Milan schedule is crowded. The team needs a focal point, a predator, and a new chapter. Could Retegui finally don the AC Milan jersey a year late and save them from themselves?
Money talks, and Atalanta can be silenced
This is the problem Atalanta faces. For all their fun, flashy football and moderate success, they do not have the financial muscle that the other big Italian clubs have. AC Milan included, but Atalanta also can’t compete with others like Inter Milan, Juventus, AS Roma, etc.
When the big dogs circle, it’s rarely about loyalty. While football isn’t always about money, it’s never not about money either. Retegui’s head could be turned, especially when massive contracts are dangled.
A Man Who Swaps Shirts Like Ties – Retegui’s Allegiance Issues
Let’s be blunt—Retegui has a history of swapping shirts like Alcibiades changed sides. A River Plate youth player who ditched them for Boca Juniors. Then Argentina U20S… then Italy. Five caps for Argentina’s youth setup evaporated into thin air the moment the Azzurri came calling.
Yes, some players bleed for their colours. Retegui? He bleeds… when convenient.
It’s amusing more than damning, but it raises the point: can anyone expect loyalty from a man who’s already had more footballing allegiances than a coalition government?
Atalanta fans adore him. Gasperini’s built around him. But history whispers: don’t fall too hard. The following shiny badge, the next contract, and Retegui might be gone quicker than you can say the AC Milan jersey.
Even Genoa—a club with ties to his family roots—only held him for a season. Another minor footnote, maybe, but it adds to the image: a man always packing his bags.
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