Atalanta Linked with Italy Striker Mateo Retegui Amid Serie A Interest
Mateo Retegui could be poised for a move to a top Serie A club this summer, with former Atalanta striker German Denis revealing he previously recommended the Genoa forward to La Dea. The 24-year-old Italy international, who joined Genoa from Tigre in 2023, has attracted attention after scoring 10 goals across all competitions last season.
Denis, who made 150 appearances for Atalanta between 2011-2016, told Italian media the Argentina-born striker possesses the physicality and penalty-box instincts to thrive under Gian Piero Gasperini's system. "He's the classic center-forward who can adapt to Italian football: strong, good in the air, and lethal in the box," said Denis, noting Retegui's development under Genoa manager Alberto Gilardino last campaign.
While no formal offers have been confirmed, Retegui's €25m release clause and public desire to compete in European competitions have fueled speculation. Atalanta's Champions League qualification and history of developing strikers make them logical suitors, though Inter Milan and Napoli have also been linked. The player's agent recently confirmed multiple Serie A clubs have inquired about his availability.
Retegui's potential transfer comes as Italy manager Luciano Spalletti prepares to start him in Thursday's crucial Euro 2024 qualifier playoff against Northern Ireland. His adaptation to Serie A has been credited with accelerating his international career, having scored 4 goals in 8 appearances since switching allegiance from Argentina last year.
Genoa would demand full payment of the release clause for a summer sale, having already secured replacement options through their partnership with 777 Partners-owned clubs. For prospective buyers, Retegui offers a rare profile of a traditional No.9 combined with the work rate required in modern Italian systems - attributes Denis compared to his own playing style during Atalanta's Europa League campaigns.
