Brendan Rodgers' new chapter in Saudi football has been praised by Italy striker Mateo Retegui, who called the Al Qadsiah manager a 'wonderful man' as his team prepares to face Northern Ireland in a World Cup play-off semi-final. The match, set for Thursday night at Atalanta's New Balance Stadium in Bergamo, marks a significant moment for both teams as they vie for a place in the final of the play-off round. Retegui, an Argentine-born forward who joined the Saudi Pro League this summer for £55 million, has expressed admiration for Rodgers' leadership and success since his arrival in December. The former Celtic and Liverpool manager has led Al Qadsiah to a strong start, securing 14 wins and three draws in his first 17 matches, propelling the club into title contention. Retegui highlighted Rodgers' impact, stating that the team has not lost a game under his guidance and that their collaboration has been marked by mutual respect and a positive rapport. The Italian national team, managed by Rino Gattuso, faces a crucial test against Northern Ireland, a match that could determine their path to the World Cup finals in North America. The winners of this tie will face the victors of the Wales vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina clash, with the final four teams set to compete in Group B alongside co-hosts Canada, Switzerland, and Qatar. Retegui's comments come amid a tense atmosphere in the play-off group, where Bosnia-Herzegovina's head coach Sergej Barbarez recently apologized to Brondby manager Steve Cooper after accusing him of deliberately dropping a midfielder in a draw to harm his side's chances.#mateo_retegui #rino_gattuso #al_qadsiah #brendan_rodgers #atalanta_new_balance_stadium
