Giovanni Leoni Liverpool transfer chatter has already ignited debate across Italy — before the teenager has even kicked a ball for the Reds. Signed from Parma late in the summer window for around €35m, the 18-year-old defender is now being tipped as one of Serie A’s biggest missed opportunities.
Italian legend Andrea Pirlo is the latest high-profile name to endorse the centre-back. According to former AC Milan midfielder Massimo Ambrosini, Pirlo spotted Leoni’s quality immediately during their time at Sampdoria. Speaking to Cronache di Spogliatoio (via SampdoriaNews), Ambrosini revealed:
“Andrea Pirlo told me that Leoni was a great player on the second day of training at Sampdoria. In football, people talk about him. Several confirmed he had the qualities he later showed.” — Massimo Ambrosini
For Liverpool, who fought off competition from Serie A clubs to secure the deal, this is further validation that they may have landed one of Europe’s brightest young defenders. But how soon should Arne Slot unleash him in the Premier League cauldron?
Why Liverpool Moved Quickly for Leoni
Leoni played just 17 Serie A matches last season with Parma, but his impact in helping them avoid relegation was enough to catch the eye of scouts across Europe. New Italy coach Rino Gattuso even called him up to the national team, a bold endorsement of his maturity at just 18.
Ambrosini argued that AC Milan should have stepped in after selling Malick Thiaw to Newcastle for €42m, instead of allowing Liverpool to pounce. That sums up the scale of regret brewing in Italy: a homegrown talent, allowed to leave, who may now develop abroad in England.
How Slot Could Use Leoni at Anfield
Liverpool’s defensive core already includes Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, and Joe Gomez. But with Jarell Quansah joining Leverkusen, there is room for rotation.
Arne Slot is expected to manage Leoni carefully, integrating him in domestic cup ties and lower-profile league matches before exposing him to high-intensity fixtures against Manchester City or Arsenal. For a teenager stepping into the Premier League from Serie A, the leap is significant.
Still, his physical profile — 1.88m tall, strong in duels, and comfortable stepping into midfield — matches the traits Liverpool’s system demands. Could Leoni grow into Van Dijk’s long-term successor? That is the intriguing question already surfacing around Anfield.
Leoni’s Serie A Stats 2024/25
| Stat (2024/25) | Giovanni Leoni |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85% |
source: sofascore match data – 11 September 2025
While limited, these numbers highlight his composure on the ball and willingness to play forward passes. Defensively, his aerial dominance and one-v-one duels were standout features at Parma.
Analyst Verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Liverpool have taken a smart gamble:
“Leoni is raw, but the ceiling is enormous. The fact that Pirlo saw his quality instantly says a lot. Liverpool’s challenge will be protecting him from hype, especially given the €35m fee. Slot must ensure Leoni develops step by step, rather than being rushed in to fix short-term defensive gaps.”
William added that Leoni’s style could eventually make him an ideal fit: “His calm distribution suits Slot’s build-up play. If his positioning matures, he could be the future leader of Liverpool’s backline.”
Key Insights
- Giovanni Leoni joined Liverpool for €35m after impressing at Parma.
- Italian legend Andrea Pirlo rated him highly after only two training sessions.
- Ambrosini believes Milan missed a trick by not signing him after selling Thiaw.
- Leoni played 17 Serie A games last season, helping Parma avoid relegation.
- Liverpool will look to ease him in gradually under Arne Slot.
What’s Next for Leoni?
Leoni is unlikely to feature immediately in Liverpool’s starting XI, but Carabao Cup and Europa League fixtures could offer him valuable early exposure. Slot has already stressed the importance of “gradual integration” for young talents, echoing the pathway used for Quansah.
For Italy, his national team call-up means he could make his senior Azzurri debut within months. If he does, Liverpool’s decision to invest early will look even more shrewd.
Is Giovanni Leoni Liverpool’s next defensive leader — or should Slot hold him back until he’s ready?
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