Mateo Retegui will take a penalty if Italy are awarded one against Northern Ireland, as confirmed by coach Gennaro Gattuso. Retegui has a mixed record with penalties, having converted one against Israel and missed another against Estonia.
In addition to Retegui, other players likely to take penalties in a potential shootout include Moise Kean, Matteo Politano, Sandro Tonali, and Manuel Locatelli. Politano has a perfect record, having taken four penalties for Napoli without missing, while Tonali has scored two from two attempts at Milan. Locatelli, however, missed his most recent attempt with Juventus but had scored two earlier this season.
Retegui has returned to Italy to prepare for the World Cup play-off, where he has netted five goals in six matches under Gattuso’s management. His performance has garnered attention, particularly as Juventus is reportedly interested in signing him, with his father having held direct talks with the club.
Retegui was the top goal scorer in Serie A for the 2024-25 season, and his eagerness to return to the league after a season at Al-Qadisiya adds to the anticipation surrounding his role in the national team.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup for the match against Northern Ireland, but Retegui’s involvement as a penalty taker is a significant development for Italy’s strategy.
