By The upcoming European Championship qualifying match between Italy and England has generated attention not just for the contest itself but also for the inclusion of Mateo Retegui, an Argentine-born player on Italy’s squad. Retegui has never played for the Argentine national team but holds Italian citizenship through his maternal grandmother. His call-up by Italian coach Roberto Mancini has sparked a debate over the inclusion of foreign-born players in the national team.
Despite never having played in Italy, Retegui has impressed Mancini with his skills and has the potential to contribute to Italy’s attacking force, which is currently lacking in options. With Ciro Immobile and Giacomo Raspadori out injured, and Gianluca Scamacca not fully fit, Retegui could start the match in Naples against England. The match is also notable for being held in a stadium named after Argentine football legend Diego Maradona.
Retegui’s selection has renewed the debate over the inclusion of foreign-born players in Italy’s national team. While Italy has a history of incorporating South American players who have made a name for themselves in Serie A, Retegui’s inclusion has raised questions because he has never played in Italy. Additionally, Mancini had previously criticized former Italian national team coach Antonio Conte for using foreign-born players, saying that “the Italian national team should be Italian.” Mancini has since clarified that if there is a chance to get new players, Italy will take them, noting that the world has changed.
On the English side, the match provides an opportunity for striker Harry Kane to become England’s all-time leading goal scorer, as he is currently tied with Wayne Rooney on 53 goals. However, England will be without Marcus Rashford, who pulled out of the squad due to injury.
In other matches, Portugal begins their European Championship qualifying campaign under a new coach, Roberto Martínez, with Cristiano Ronaldo still in the squad. It will be Ronaldo’s first appearance with Portugal since leaving Europe for Saudi club Al Nassr. Belgium, under new coach Domenico Tedesco, will play their first match against Sweden with Kevin De Bruyne as the new captain.
Overall, the Italy vs England match provides an opportunity for Retegui to make an impact on Italy’s national team and reignites the debate over the inclusion of foreign-born players in national teams.