sport news Who is new Italy striker Mateo Retegui? trends now

Italy's decision to call up Mateo Retegui was a big surprise. 

After a 'Golden Age' of great strikers like Filippo Inzaghi, Antonio Di Natale, Christian Vieri, Vincenzo Montella and Francesco Totti, Roberto Mancini's side needs some fresh blood ahead of launching their defence of the European Championship.

The call-up of Italy-Argentinian dual national Retegui demonstrates a willingness from the former Man City boss to look for new talent from outside of Serie A to strengthen his squad.  

Lazio striker Ciro Immobile - who often struggles with injury - is the only Italian striker who can guarantee goals and behind him, there is a worrying dearth of top quality forwards. 

There is an ever-reducing pool of talent in Serie A meaning Mancini was forced to look at players like Retegui - who was not viewed as good enough to represent Argentina - at least until now.

Retegui agreed to be naturalised by Italy upon his call-up and follows in the footsteps of his fellow countryman Mauro Camoranesi - who despite being born in Argentina - represented Italy and won the World Cup with the Azzurri in 2006.

The question is now whether Retegui can have a similarly impressive career or if he will follow a path like Amauri, Gabriel Paletta or Cristian Ledesma - three South Americans who played for Italy but endured miserable spells.

In light of his call-up, Sportsmail takes a deep dive into who Retegui is, what Italy can expect from him and how his decision to switch countries has been received in Argentina. 

'There won't be second thoughts', the player's father, Carlos Retegui, told Italian outlet La Repubblica, outlining how the striker is fully committed to the Italy cause now and has no doubts about his decision. 

He has Italian DNA and the decision to play for Italy has opened

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