Inter & Newcastle Show Interest
Italy has a rich history of producing exceptional defenders, and the newest talent emerging is Giovanni Leoni, often referred to as the ‘new Fabio Cannavaro.’ At just 18 years old, he may not be familiar to fans worldwide, but those who followed Serie A closely last season certainly took notice. Leoni had a standout campaign at Parma, making 17 appearances and showcasing the potential that has generated a buzz around him.
While it’s essential to keep expectations in check given his limited experience, Leoni displays several traits that suggest he could evolve into a top-tier center-back. Last season, he was guided by Christian Chivu, a Champions League winner, at Parma. Chivu has since taken over as manager at Inter Milan and is eager to reunite with Leoni, although Inter faces stiff competition from Premier League clubs, with Barcelona also keeping a close eye on the young defender.
Who Is Giovanni Leoni?
Originally from Rome, Leoni developed his skills at Padova after moving to Cittadella at a young age. The 6ft 5in defender made his professional debut in Serie C just months after turning 16 in March 2023, which led to a loan move to Sampdoria in February 2024. Sampdoria permanently signed him for €1.5 million in June 2024, but Parma quickly acquired him for €4.8m. Leoni excelled in his first season with Parma, with his market value skyrocketing from €4.8m to €18m, making him the third most valuable U21 defender in Serie A.
Leoni’s rise in recent years has been remarkable, and Aniello Luciano, Transfermarkt’s Serie A expert, believes he is a key player for the future of the Italian national team. “Giovanni Leoni is regarded as one of the best prospects in Italian football and is expected to be a mainstay for the national team, keeping the Italian defensive legacy alive,” Luciano remarked. “His value has surged due to the interest from leading clubs in Italy and Europe.”
Giovanni Leoni’s Strengths and Weaknesses
While Leoni has immense potential, he is still a work in progress. Luciano elaborates on his strengths and areas for improvement. “Leoni is highly regarded for his athleticism and possesses impressive physical attributes,” Luciano stated. “He is tall and surprisingly quick, covering ground efficiently, although there’s room for enhancement. His game understanding is notable for his age, marked by his positioning and anticipation. He excels in physical duels and tends to dominate them without committing too many fouls.”
In terms of improvements, Luciano mentioned: “Under Chivu, Parma did not focus on building from the back, and Leoni wasn’t often tasked with bringing the ball out of defense. While he has the attributes to excel in this area, he needs to refine his passing abilities from the back, which are essential for any aspiring top-class defender in modern football.”
Who Is Interested in Signing Giovanni Leoni?
Parma is not under pressure to sell Leoni but is likely to attract significant offers. They stand to make a considerable profit on the €4.8m they invested last summer if he is sold this transfer window. According to Transfermarkt, Parma is seeking €40m, which could include add-ons and future clauses.
Earlier this summer, Inter Milan appeared poised to secure Leoni, with club vice-president Javier Zanetti confirming their interest. “He’s a very intriguing young player,” remarked Zanetti. “We are exploring the possibility of signing him.” However, interest in Leoni is growing among Premier League clubs, with Liverpool and Newcastle United having scouted him frequently last season. Liverpool is likely to seek a new center-back and sees Leoni as a promising younger talent, while Newcastle is on the lookout for a similar profile. Juventus and AC Milan also admire Leoni, and Barcelona has been monitoring the Parma standout as well.
