After a golden age of strikers, the call-up of an uncapped Argentinian is a damning indictment of Italian football... but with a prolific goalscoring record and a powerful frame, Mateo Retegui could be the next star for Roberto Mancini's side

After a golden age of strikers, the call-up of an uncapped Argentinian is a damning indictment of Italian football... but with a prolific goalscoring record and a powerful frame, Mateo Retegui could be the next star for Roberto Mancini's side.

Italian football has long been known for its excellence in producing top-class strikers. From legends like Roberto Baggio and Paolo Rossi to current stars like Ciro Immobile and Lorenzo Insigne, Italy has a rich history of producing goalscorers who can change the course of a match with a single strike. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in the quality of Italian strikers, leading to concerns among fans and experts alike.

The situation has become so dire that the call-up of an uncapped Argentinian, Mateo Retegui, to the Italian national team has been seen as a damning indictment of Italian football. Retegui, who has been in scintillating form for his club side, has yet to play a single game for Italy, but his inclusion in the squad has raised eyebrows and sparked debate among football fans.

Retegui's rise to prominence has been rapid. The 23-year-old striker started his career at River Plate in Argentina before moving to Europe to join Spanish club Villarreal. However, it was at Italian side Udinese that Retegui really caught the eye, scoring an impressive 17 goals in 26 appearances last season. His form has continued this season, with 12 goals in 19 appearances, leading to his call-up to the Italian national team.

While some may see Retegui's call-up as evidence of a lack of quality in Italian football, others see it as an opportunity for the young striker to make his mark on the international stage. With a powerful frame and a keen eye for goal, Retegui has all the attributes to become a star for Roberto Mancini's side.

Retegui's inclusion in the national team is not without precedent. Italy has a long history of calling up foreign-born players who are eligible to play for the Azzurri. In recent years, players like Mario Balotelli and Jorginho have become key members of the Italian national team, despite being born outside of Italy. Retegui could be the next player to follow in their footsteps.

For Retegui, the call-up to the Italian national team is a dream come true. "I'm thrilled to have been given the opportunity to play for Italy," he said in a recent interview. "I know the expectations are high, but I'm ready to work hard and do my best for the team."

Only time will tell if Retegui can live up to the expectations placed upon him. But with his goalscoring record and his powerful frame, he certainly has the potential to become the next star for Roberto Mancini's side. As Italian football looks to rebound from its recent decline in striker quality, Retegui's call-up may just be the spark that the Azzurri need to get back to their winning ways.