The football world continues to watch the flow of talent heading East, specifically towards the Saudi Pro League. The latest Italian international linked with a move is striker Mateo Retegui. While the financial incentives are clear – often dwarfing offers from traditional European powerhouses – the potential impact on a player`s standing within their national team remains a subject of intense discussion. For Italy, the question is now focused squarely on Retegui and how his potential transfer affects his role under newly appointed coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Gattuso`s Perspective
Gattuso, known for his pragmatic approach, appears to be taking a measured view of the situation. Reports indicate that the Italian national team staff acknowledges the evolving landscape of football and the financial realities driving players` decisions. This isn`t just about one player; it`s a trend that national teams across Europe are already navigating.
While some might view a move to Saudi Arabia as a step away from the most competitive leagues, effectively a “golden retirement” for those nearing the end of their careers, the reality is becoming more complex. Cristiano Ronaldo`s continued high-level output for Portugal since his move in early 2023 serves as a reminder that individual dedication and professionalism can sometimes defy expectations. However, Ronaldo is, as the saying goes, an outlier – an “alien” in football terms. For mere mortals like Retegui and others, the commitment to maintaining peak physical and technical condition becomes paramount.
Part of the Azzurri Attack
Retegui is not a fringe player for Italy. Alongside Gianluca Scamacca and Moise Kean, he is considered one of the primary options for the Azzurri`s central striking role under Gattuso. Kean enjoyed a strong season, reportedly finishing high in the Serie A scoring charts, while Scamacca, though currently recovering from injury, possesses significant talent. Retegui himself demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess, notably being a top scorer in Serie A during his time with Atalanta (in the season preceding this report, based on the date context). He also showed flashes for Italy, impressing the previous coach with his willingness to integrate into the tactical setup.
The Practicalities and the Commitment
The main question isn`t whether Retegui *can* play in Saudi Arabia and for Italy, but whether he can maintain the necessary level of performance and fitness, and manage the logistical challenges, primarily travel. Gattuso is reportedly studying the Saudi league, concluding that many matches possess sufficient technical quality and intensity. He sees the influx of European and South American coaches as a factor preventing a tactical decline. The belief is that the league isn`t the “simple” environment some perceive it to be.
Crucially, Gattuso intends to continue calling up Retegui. The striker himself has demonstrated commitment to the Italian cause, notably choosing to represent Italy over his native Argentina, even when he was a leading scorer in the Argentine league. A World Cup remains a significant objective for the player.
A New Reality
Italy is not alone in facing this challenge. Players like Ruben Neves (Portugal), Merih Demiral (Turkey), and Ivan Toney (England) have played for their national teams while based in Saudi Arabia, although results vary (Brozovic for Croatia, Milinkovic-Savic for Serbia are cited as players whose national team involvement shifted, though not solely due to the move). It appears the individual player`s mindset and work ethic are the most significant factors.
For Italian clubs, seeing a valuable player like Retegui, or even Kean who is reportedly also tempted by Saudi offers, move away from Serie A is perhaps less than ideal. They would naturally prefer top Italian national team prospects to remain within the domestic league. However, the economic power of the Saudi league presents a new reality that clubs and national teams must adapt to.
The future of national team selections in an era where significant talent is migrating to non-traditional footballing nations is still unfolding. For now, in Mateo Retegui`s case, the plan from the Italian camp, led by Gattuso, is clear: the door to the Azzurri remains open, provided the player maintains his professionalism and form, regardless of his new geographical location.
