Di Maria joined Rosario Central aged just four, and made his professional debut in December 2005, before rising through the ranks to move to Benfica two years later.
Juventus have been shaky on the wings for a long time, and with just three pure fullbacks – Alex Sandro, Danilo, and Mattia De Sciglio, it is time for reinforcements to arrive in that position. Unsurprisingly, the Bianconeri management has already identified the player they wish to lure to Turin, Valentin Barco.
Following news of Roberto Mancini calling up Tigre striker Mateo Retegui to the Azzurri national team, interest in the Argentine-Italian striker has bloomed. However, as his father Carlos Retegui reveals, there were contacts with interested suitors before the 23-year-old forward heard from Mancini: "Mateo is very happy with the call-up."
Barco has a contract valid until December 2024, and having extended his stay as recently as last February, it remains doubtful whether the Argentine giants will let go of one of their best talents. Juventus are on the hunt for a left wingback and have taken note of the budding Argentine talent.
Lautaro Martinez spoke about his stellar stretch, the World Cup, and the challenging preparation ahead of it in an interview: “There have been many moments where I felt I was in good shape, but the current one is my best since I’ve been at Inter."
Angel Di Maria sealed Sunday’s tricky game versus Spezia with a great goal from distance, something he hadn’t done in a while despite being in good form: “I always try to help the team, either starting or coming off the bench. I wanted to score in this one."
Juventus are in dire need of defensive reinforcements on the wing, with just three wingbacks in their roster. The class of 2004 left-back was scouted by Boca Juniors when he was 8 years old and signed by the Argentine giants the following season.
Negotiations have not yet taken place, and both teams are in the race against time to act upon the transfer deal for Dominguez before Bologna successfully conclude the contract extension offer.
Lautaro Martinez held a press conference after returning to practice following the World Cup, commenting on the Argentina triumph and Inter: “I experienced unique emotions. I looked back at everything I did in the past. It was my childhood dream, but I didn’t think it would be so beautiful."
As the curtain falls on one of the most unusual of tournaments, the 2022 World had produced a plethora of iconic moments and events that will remain carved in our memories for a long time. Some are controversial whereas others are dramatic or heart-warming, but they're sensational all the same.