We know [Juventus](https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com) already have a big and bruising defender with the last name of Gatti, but could they add another Italian center back with a feline-adjacent last name this summer?
They seem to be thinking that way.
[According to Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio on Tuesday night](https://gianlucadimarzio.com/leoni-juventus-parma-calciomercato-serie-a-3-giugno-2025/), Juventus’ new-look front office led by former Toulouse president Damien Comolli are expected to be one of the clubs trying to secure the services of Parma teenager Giovanni Leoni, who closed the 2024-25 season in strong fashion after making his Serie A debut back in November. Leoni is attracting the interest of some of the other big clubs in Italy — AC Milan, Inter Milan and Napoli — and Parma could very well see a nice little bidding war begin if multiple teams do try and enter into negotiations.
As things stand, reports over the weekend stated that Parma re going to ask at least €15 million to sign the 18-year-old Leoni this summer, but that could easily be pushed higher as more clubs become interested.
Over the last three seasons, Leoni has climbed the Italian football ladder, with his performances during the most recent campaign showing what kind of talent he has already developed despite being one of the youngest regular starters in Serie A after he broke into Parma’s lineup. Leoni spent a season on loan at Padova after Sampdoria bought him in the summer of 2023. He returned to the Marassi for the 2023-24 campaign in Serie B, making 12 appearances for Sampdoria.
That was enough for Parma to spend €5 million on him to be part of their squad for their return to the top flight in Italian football. And once he broke into Parma’s starting lineup, he was a regular contributor during an otherwise whirlwind campaign.
It just so happens that one of Leoni’s best performances this past season came against Juventus in Parma’s 1-0 win over the Bianconeri back in late April — a victory that went a long way in helping them secure Serie A safety and avoid relegation. Leoni recorded seven clearances, two interceptions, two blocked shots and a pair of tackles in the win, all the while playing a big role in Dusan Vlahovic having a very quiet night in front of goal.
As part of Di Marzio’s report, he states that part of Juventus’ desire to try and sign Leoni is that they will aim “to bring strong and promising Italian players” to Turin this summer.