Retegui warning ‘competitiveness’ at Al-Qadsiah will damage Italy standing for No 9

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Mateo Retegui of Italy during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina warns that the imminent move from Atalanta to Al Qadsiah means Mateo Retegui will likely no longer be first choice for Italy. ‘The competitiveness of a league makes a big difference.’

Multiple sources are confident the deal is effectively done, with Atalanta pocketing €67m including various bonuses, a huge profit from the €28m they paid to Genoa less than a year ago.

The striker is also going to earn a massive salary worth a reported €16m per season to play in the Saudi Pro League.

However, questions had already been raised over how this would affect Retegui’s standing for the Nazionale, and Federation President Gravina confirmed it would be taken into consideration.

Gravina warning for Retegui as he leaves Italy

“It is disappointing for Retegui, because it is disappointing to lose lads who at this moment had a significant impact in the Azzurri jersey,” said Gravina during a press conference.

“Clearly, we will continue to track his progress, but you must understand that as far as we are concerned, the competitiveness of a league makes a big difference on keeping in form. He is a player who is fundamental for us and unfortunately, like other players, he is leaving us and we hope they will look after him in the best possible way.

“These are the effects of globalisation, one of the negative aspects of it. We cannot put limits on the free market, these are the principles of the football economy, and we have to respect them.”

Retegui was Capocannoniere of Serie A this season and a regular for Italy with six goals in 20 senior caps.

Gravina was also asked about the fact that Italy have now dropped out of the top 10 in the FIFA World Ranking, with the arrival of new coach Gennaro Gattuso and a tough task ahead of him to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

“We’ve got to roll our sleeves up and start winning our games. We have a clear objective, all our energy is focused on achieving that target, so we must all work in the same direction. Win the games and qualify for the World Cup, no ifs or buts.”

Gattuso is not the only novelty, as Silvio Baldini is expected to take over as the new Italy Under-21 coach.

“We are changing the whole structure of our youth sector, so we started with the senior squad, then we’ll go forward with the Under-21s, Under-20 and Under-19 teams. There are a few options, I hope by the first few days of next week we can announce the new coaches. Baldini is one of the candidates.”