Kean: ‘Getting to know Retegui’ with impressive new Italy partnership

Moise Kean admits he is ‘getting to know’ Italy teammate Mateo Retegui to create an impressive partnership after another two goals in the 5-4 win over Israel.

The Fiorentina striker used to compete with Retegui for a place in the starting XI, but the pair started together in both games under new coach Gennaro Gattuso.

They are combining perfectly, as once again today Retegui provided a back-heel assist for Kean, the Viola centre-forward bagging a brace.

Italy squad celebrate against Israel (@Azzurri)

“Mateo and I had to work hard today, we made an impact and play well together, so we want to keep that going,” Kean told Sky Sport Italia.

“I believed to the end and am slowly getting to know Mateo’s characteristics, so I thought the ball would go there and I followed it all the way.”

It was a chaotic World Cup qualifier, as Italy were twice trailing, managed to lead 4-2 only to fumble that for 4-4, then Sandro Tonali’s cross-shot went through a sea of legs to win 5-4 at the 91st minute.

“As soon as the game was over, I still had to realise what had happened, but this is the joy of football, especially wearing the Italy shirt and winning at the last minute,” added Kean.

Italy’s tactics were a little confusing, as after the 4-2-3-1 of the 5-0 victory over Estonia, they were more of a 3-5-2 this evening.

“We had to figure out how Israel were set out at the start, they are very quick and good on the attack. We never gave up and got a great result.”

Sandro Tonali Late Winner Tactical Shift Italy Mateo Retegui Moise Kean Gennaro Gattuso