Liverpool’s move for Giovanni Leoni has drawn sharp criticism in Italy, with Corriere dello Sport’s director Ivan Zazzaroni describing Serie A’s talent drain as an “increasingly serious illness.”
The 18-year-old defender, who joined from Sampdoria after being tracked by Inter Milan and AC Milan, is regarded as one of Italy’s most exciting prospects. But his move to Anfield has triggered frustration among Italian commentators who believe the domestic game is failing to compete with the Premier League’s financial power.
Zazzaroni argued that English clubs have created a self-sustaining system where talent remains within the Premier League, while Serie A clubs are forced to sell their brightest stars. He lamented that Leoni — who could have been a starter for Milan or Inter — will instead only be a squad player under Arne Slot at Liverpool.
Zazzaroni’s Scathing Column
The veteran journalist didn’t hold back in his column, directing most of his fire at Serie A’s governance:
“Italian football treats players as mere assets. This is an increasingly serious illness. Clubs fail to generate enough revenue, broadcasters dictate terms, and so our best talents leave for England.” — Ivan Zazzaroni, Corriere dello Sport
He added that Serie A’s lack of financial sustainability allowed Liverpool to swoop in, despite long-standing interest from Milanese giants.
Giovanni Leoni 2024/25 Stats
| Stat (2024/25) | Giovanni Leoni |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 28 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 87% |
source: sofascore match data – 21 August 2025
Leoni played 28 senior matches last season, impressing with his composure in possession and tactical awareness. He scored once, provided two assists, and posted an 87% pass accuracy — outstanding numbers for a teenager.
Analyst Verdict
For Liverpool, Leoni represents another long-term project: a defender who can learn under Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté before breaking into the first team. While he may only be a rotation option initially, his ceiling is high.
For Serie A, however, the transfer has reignited the debate over financial models. Italian clubs simply cannot compete with mid-to-top Premier League sides when it comes to offering both salaries and long-term development pathways. Unless Serie A reforms its revenue distribution and commercial structure, more Leoni-style exits are inevitable.
Key Insights
- Liverpool beat AC Milan and Inter to the signing of Leoni.
- Ivan Zazzaroni calls Serie A’s talent drain an “increasingly serious illness.”
- Serie A clubs criticised for failing to compete financially with the Premier League.
- Leoni seen as a rotation option under Arne Slot at Liverpool.
- Italian media fear more young stars will leave the country.
What’s Next
Leoni will now look to settle into Liverpool’s squad, with Arne Slot expected to integrate him gradually through domestic cup competitions and substitute appearances.
For Serie A, the challenge is existential: unless clubs generate more revenue and retain their best prospects, they risk becoming a selling league. Milan and Inter’s failure to land Leoni is seen as symptomatic of deeper financial problems.
Did Liverpool make the right call signing Giovanni Leoni for the future — or would Serie A have been the better place for his development?
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