Mateo Retegui, what a storm with Atalanta: the bomber was the protagonist of a sensational gesture that can change the whole future
Retegui, che bufera con l’Atalanta: il gesto che cambia il futuro (Ansa Foto) – SerieAnews
Atalanta returns to make its voice heard in Serie A, and it does so at the right time. After three defeats that had made European ambitions creak, La Dea relaunched itself by beating Bologna in a challenge that was worth double. Not only for the standings, but also for morale. A 2-0 that weighs like a boulder and restores Gasperini’s confidence in a Champions League race where every point is worth gold. The victory against a direct competitor is a strong and clear signal, also because it came with a solid, concrete, intense performance.
Among the protagonists of the day is obviously Mateo Retegui, author of the goal that unlocked the game. But behind that goal a small crack opened up. And it is not the first time.
Retegui segna, ma poi sbotta: “Sempre io a uscire”
The scoreboard says “Retegui at minute 81 replaced.” So far, nothing strange. It has happened a thousand times to a thousand players. But this time the Argentine did not take it very well. On the contrary. After the substitution, which he initially welcomed with a hug to the coach, the Atalanta bomber let all his frustration shine through with a phrase captured by DAZN cameras: “It’s always me who goes out, always me.”
Retegui segna, ma poi sbotta: “Sempre io a uscire” (Ansa Foto) – SerieAnews
A gesture of outrage, not blatant but not invisible either. And above all, not isolated. Already in the match against Lazio Retegui had complained about the substitution, removing the bandage from his hand and shaking his head away from the bench. Gasperini was unperturbed, indeed he commented in the post-match: “His performance today was the best of the year. It is normal that with five changes there are rotations. The forwards are the ones who come out the most.”
The person concerned tried to nip the fire in the bud: “With the coach there is a beautiful relationship, we are fine. No problems.” But the feeling is that under the surface something is bubbling. And that the season is coming to an important crossroads for both of them.
23 gol e un futuro che fa gola a tanti
With 23 league goals, Retegui has not only taken the role of top scorer, but also attracted the eyes of half of Europe to him. Italian and foreign clubs are already at the window. Atalanta knows this and is preparing for a hot summer: the valuation is around 50 million euros, a figure that few can afford but that many could try to negotiate.
His contract with Dea does not expire soon, but the feeling is that if the right offer comes, neither the player nor the club would object. The former Genoa youngster made the leap under Gasperini’s guidance, but now he may want to try a new challenge. Inter is watching him closely, as are Spanish and English clubs. And in a market where center forwards are a rare commodity, such a profile can only be tempting.
Il derby con Gasperini è solo rimandato?
It is a story that tastes of derbies. Not just the ones played on the pitch, but the subtle, emotional ones experienced in the locker room, between those who lead and those who score. The relationship between Retegui and Gasperini remains good, but has something soured? Or is it just the normal nervousness of someone who is hungry, a lot, and would like to stay on the field of play all the time?
One thing is certain: as long as he remains in Bergamo, Retegui will continue to make a difference. But the question remains in the air, just like the ball that he can put into the goal better than most: is his history with Atalanta really still long.
This article Retegui, what a storm with Atalanta: future-changing gesture appeared in its original version first on SerieANews.
