Market Value: €18 million
Italy has a rich history of producing world-class defenders, and the latest talent emerging is Giovanni Leoni, already dubbed the ‘new Fabio Cannavaro.’ At just 18 years old, he might still be unfamiliar to many fans, but those who closely followed Serie A last season witnessed his impressive breakthrough with Parma, where he made 17 appearances and garnered considerable attention.
While it’s important to temper expectations given his limited experience, Leoni exhibits several traits that suggest he could develop into an elite centre-back. He received guidance from Champions League winner Christian Chivu at Parma, who has since moved to Inter Milan. Chivu was eager to bring Leoni along but recent reports indicate that Liverpool has reached a €35 million deal for the promising defender. What might Leoni contribute at Anfield?
Who is Giovanni Leoni?
Originally from Rome, Leoni advanced through the youth system at Padova before moving to Cittadella at a young age. He made his professional debut in Serie C shortly after his 16th birthday in March 2023, leading to a loan move to Sampdoria in February 2024. Sampdoria permanently secured his services for €1.5 million in June 2024, but Parma swooped in and signed him for €4.8 million just two months later. Leoni excelled in his debut season with Parma, with his market value soaring from €4.8 million to €18 million, making him the third most valuable U21 defender in Serie A.
Leoni’s rise has been rapid, and Transfermarkt’s Serie A expert Aniello Luciano believes he represents the future of the Italian national team. “Giovanni Leoni is recognized as one of the brightest prospects in Italian football and is destined to be a key player for the national team, continuing Italy’s strong defensive tradition,” Luciano noted. “His growing popularity among top clubs in Italy and Europe has significantly increased his valuation.”
Giovanni Leoni’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Despite his promising future, Leoni still has areas to refine. Luciano has identified both his strengths and weaknesses. “Leoni is highly regarded for his athleticism and impressive physical attributes. Standing at 6ft 5in, he combines height with speed, which allows him to cover ground effectively, though there is still room for growth in this aspect. His understanding of the game is impressive for his age, with strong positioning and anticipation. He is dominant in physical confrontations while keeping fouls to a minimum.”
On the flip side, Luciano points out that “Under Chivu, Parma didn’t focus on playing out from the back, so Leoni wasn’t often tasked with initiating offensive plays from defense. While he has the potential to excel in this area, improving his passing skills from the back is essential for any young defender aiming for top-tier status in modern football.”
This summer, Inter Milan showed considerable interest in securing Leoni, with club vice-president Javier Zanetti acknowledging his potential. “He’s a very intriguing young player,” Zanetti stated. “We’ll see if we can sign him.” Meanwhile, Premier League clubs like Liverpool and Newcastle United have been scouting him extensively, making a move for Leoni a potentially significant addition for the Reds as they strategize for the future.
