Interest from Inter & Newcastle
Italy has a rich history of producing legendary defenders, and the latest prospect is Giovanni Leoni, often referred to as the ‘new Fabio Cannavaro.’ This 18-year-old may still be relatively unknown to many fans, but those who closely followed Serie A last season are well aware of his talent. Leoni had a breakout year with Parma, making 17 appearances and demonstrating why he’s generating so much buzz.
While it’s essential to temper expectations given his limited experience, Leoni exhibits numerous attributes that suggest he could develop into an elite centre-back. The Italian youth international was mentored by Champions League winner Christian Chivu at Parma, who has since taken over as head coach at Inter Milan. Chivu is eager to reunite with Leoni in Milan next season, but Inter faces stiff competition from several Premier League teams, with Barcelona also keeping an eye on the young defender.
Who is Giovanni Leoni?
Hailing from Rome, Leoni climbed the youth ranks at Padova before moving to Cittadella. Standing at 6ft 5in, he made his professional debut in Serie C shortly after his 16th birthday in March 2023. In February 2024, he was loaned to Sampdoria, who later signed him permanently for €1.5 million in June 2024. However, Parma quickly swooped in for him in a €4.8 million deal just two months later. He excelled in his debut season at 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 rapid rise has captivated observers, and Transfermarkt’s Serie A expert Aniello Luciano sees him as a key future player for the Italian national team. “Giovanni Leoni is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in Italian football and a potential starter for the national team, ensuring the Italian defensive legacy remains strong,” Luciano noted. “His valuation and market value are reflecting his rising status and interest from top clubs in Italy and across Europe.”
What are Giovanni Leoni’s strengths and weaknesses?
Despite his remarkable promise, Leoni is still developing, and Luciano has assessed his strengths and areas for improvement. “Leoni is highly regarded for his athleticism and impressive physical attributes,” he stated. “He’s tall and relatively quick, capable of covering large distances, though there’s still room for improvement in this area. His tactical awareness is commendable for his age, showcasing excellent positioning and anticipation. He excels in physical duels, often dominating without committing many fouls.”
On potential areas for growth, Luciano added: “Under Chivu, Parma preferred not to play out from the back, which limited Leoni’s ability to showcase his ball-playing skills. He has the potential to excel in this aspect, but he needs to enhance his passing from defense, as these skills are essential for young defenders aspiring to reach the top levels of modern football.”
Who is interested in signing Giovanni Leoni?
Parma is not in a financial hurry to sell Leoni, but their asking price is unlikely to deter interested clubs. The club stands to make a significant profit on the €4.8 million they invested last summer, should he leave during this transfer window. Reports suggest that Parma seeks around €40 million, which could include add-ons and future clauses.
This summer, Inter Milan appeared to be leading the race for Leoni’s signature, with club vice-president Javier Zanetti confirming their interest. “He’s a very intriguing young player,” said the Nerazzurri executive. “We’ll see if it’s feasible for us to sign him.” Meanwhile, Premier League clubs such as Liverpool and Newcastle United have also scouted him multiple times over the past season, with Liverpool likely needing a new centre-back and viewing Leoni as a promising prospect. Newcastle is in search of a centre-back with similar traits. Additionally, Juventus, AC Milan, and Barcelona have expressed interest in the talented Parma star.
