Toni says Kean is Italy’s ‘main’ striker under Spalletti: ‘He can still improve’

DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Football Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Italy World Cup winner Luca Toni is surprised by Moise Kean but feels the Fiorentina striker will be the Azzurri’s ‘main’ striker over Serie A top-scorer Mateo Retegui.

Kean scored his 16th Serie A goal this season on Sunday, contributing to Fiorentina’s 1-0 win over Atalanta.

The Italy international hadn’t even scored a goal for Juventus last season.

“Honestly, he has surprised me, and I am convinced he can still improve. We haven’t seen his best yet,” Toni told Gazzetta.

“He was strong before as well, but consistency makes the difference for a striker. Fiorentina paid €13m plus bonuses in the summer, proving to be an excellent deal.”

Kean has netted 21 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions with the Tuscans this season.

“Florence is a city that shows great love to its idols. I can say this from personal experience,” Toni, a former Juventus and Fiorentina striker, said.

“Fiorentina fans are demanding in the stadium, but when they meet you in the streets, they make you feel cherished. Kean needed this affection. Sometimes the right environment and the right coach are all it takes to turn things around.

“The numbers are just the beginning, not the final destination,” Toni continued.

“It’s up to him now, he has all the qualities. He can still become one of the best strikers in Europe behind superstars like Lewandowski, Haaland, Kane, Mbappé and Salah. I don’t see many strikers who can score more than 20 goals like Moise.”

Nevertheless, Atalanta striker Retegui remains the Serie A leading scorer with 22 goals.

“Retegui has been more consistent in the league and has an important advantage with eight matches remaining,” Toni noted.

“Maybe Kean won’t overtake him, but he can make up for it with the national team. Right now, as the brace against Germany showed, Kean is the main striker in Spalletti’s Italy.”