On the eve of the Serie A kickoff, Parma boast a highly-rated talent who has caught the attention of several top European clubs. At just 18 years old, centre-back Giovanni Leoni has been linked with Liverpool, Inter and AC Milan.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Liverpool have made a direct enquiry for the Italian defender, while Inter and Milan remain hopeful of securing a deal. Leoni is currently valued at around €35 million (£31 million).
Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly a big admirer of Leoni, seeing the towering 1.96m youngster as an ideal addition to his backline. Known for his aerial ability and physical strength, Leoni uses his frame and intelligence to outplay more experienced forwards.
Former Sampdoria assistant coach Roberto Baronio told Parma Today: "When you have above-average intelligence, you go further. Leoni can read opponents’ intentions early — a trait usually seen only in experienced players who know their opponents well. His subtle use of positioning and anticipation makes him stand out."
Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Milan’s pursuit depends on their transfer dealings throughout the season. Newcastle’s interest in Malick Thiaw could trigger a larger offer, potentially boosting Milan’s chances.
Despite the growing attention, Giovanni is not pushing for a move away from Parma just yet. His ideal path involves joining a major Italian club and eventually becoming a regular for the national team.
Meanwhile, Inter’s interest is more cautious. Parma’s high valuation has cooled their enthusiasm, with the club prioritising the signing of Ademola Lookman, valued at €50 million (£44 million) by Atalanta.
In recent days, Giovanni’s name has featured regularly on Viale della Liberazione. Gazzetta dello Sport notes that Parma and Inter have enjoyed good business relations, completing two transfers already this window, aligning with coach Cristian Chivu’s desire to work with Leoni again.
Inspired by English football and time under Pirlo, Leoni eyes bright future
Giovanni Leoni of Parma during his side's match against Juventus, on April 23, 2025
Born and raised in Italy, Leoni credits English football, particularly the Premier League, for shaping his style from an early age. Dutch defender Virgil van Dijk is among his biggest inspirations.
The son of water polo athletes and a Roma fan from birth, Giovanni’s family relocated to Padua for work. He joined Cittadella’s youth system in 2015, making his professional debut with Padova in 2019.
Leoni told the club’s official site: "I was lucky to play at a higher level early and learned a lot from defenders and coaches like Beppe Agostini, who taught me not just football but life. As he always says: ‘Even without football, life is beautiful’."
He made his senior debut at just 16 years and three months, becoming the youngest professional debutant in Italy’s 2022/23 season during a Serie C match against Albinoleffe.
"I was nervous but thrilled. It all happened so quickly — the coach saw my attitude with the U-17s and liked my hard work and humility," Leoni explained.
After impressing at Padova, he earned a loan move to Serie B’s Sampdoria in 2024, coached by World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo. However, financial troubles and playoff elimination forced the club to sell their prized asset.
Despite interest from Inter and Juventus, Parma — newly promoted Serie B champions — signed Leoni in 2023/24 for €5 million (£4.4 million) plus €3.5 million (£3 million) in bonuses.
Leoni quickly adapted under Fabio Pecchia and secured a starting spot in Christian Chivu’s side by the season’s end.
This article was originally published on Trivela.
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