The donkey Pellegrino, whose father didn't even believe in him
Parma and its Argentinians. Many a player from the country of the reigning world champions has left his mark on Parma. Currently, Mateo Pellegrino is doing so – a player with a rather unusual resume.
Close your eyes and go for it: Mateo Pellegrino rises for a header. IMAGO/Goal Sports Images
Nestor Sensini , Hernan Crespo , and Juan Sebastian Veron . Many an Argentinian has delighted football fans in Parma. Mateo Pellegrino is now doing the same. The 24-year-old striker joined from Velez Sarsfield in February for a transfer fee of just two million euros and signed until 2029. After just a few weeks, it's clear that the transfer has paid off. Pellegrino has already scored three goals in nine games – a brace in the 2-2 draw with Torino and, more recently, the 1-0 winner against Juventus .
Football is in Mateo's genes, as his father, Mauricio Pellegrino, was a successful professional. The now 53-year-old once played for Barcelona and Liverpool. His best years, however, were with Valencia CF, with whom he won the league title twice (2001/02 and 2003/04) and lost the Champions League final twice – including the 2001 defeat to Bayern Munich (4-5 on penalties) .
Pellegrino Junior emulated his father, playing in defense in Velez's youth team, albeit at left back rather than as a central defender. Over the years, however, he increasingly moved forward, even into attack. For a long time, however, he was unable to escape the shadow of his omnipresent father, especially when he made the leap to the first team at Velez Sarsfield, where he barely made it under his father as coach.
Under Pellegrino Sr., the 24-year-old received little playing time and eked out a life as a reserve. In the locker room, he was also jokingly nicknamed "El Burro" (the donkey). However, Pellegrino doesn't have much in common with a stubborn donkey; instead, he sought his fortune elsewhere. He was loaned out, first to Estudiantes de la Plata and then to Atletico Platense in Buenos Aires.
Breakthrough in Buenos AiresAt Atletico, his star suddenly rose: With 15 goals, he played a key role in the club's tenth-place finish – Platense's best finish in 27 years. A new nickname was soon to follow. He was dubbed "Mini Palermo" due to his similar physique and playing style to Martin Palermo .
Hardened and tempered by Argentine football, he finally decided to cross the Atlantic and join Parma. Initially, he had to acclimatize to Serie A, initially sitting on the bench until his brace against Torino. Further appearances as a substitute followed, before he was in the starting eleven three times in a row.
