Giovanni Leoni is widely considered to be a jewel in Italy’s defensive future, and Cristian Chivu’s imminent move to manage Inter Milan means the Parma teenager could follow his boss to the San Siro.
Parma’s Serie A survival was confirmed in 2024-25’s penultimate round, and despite the threat of relegation hanging over them for much of the campaign, they proved to be one of the league’s stickiest opponents.
Chivu, along with the youngest average squad in Serie A last season, certainly caught the eye of Italy’s heavyweights. One player in particular has pricked the ears more than most; centre-back Giovanni Leoni.
Who is Giovanni Leoni?
Parma’s 15 draws was the most in Serie A, and their commendable form after the turn of the year is one of the reasons why Inter look to have chosen Cristian Chivu as their next manager.
Leoni was an important cog in Chivu’s well-oiled machine, and his swift progression from Serie C minnows Padova, via a loan to Sampdoria and then finally onto Parma — all within the space of two years — is reflective of his maturity well beyond his years.
At 18, he already has 17 appearances in Serie A under his belt, in which he completed the full 90 minutes in seven of those matches.
Leoni was integral to Parma’s Herculean efforts to avoid relegation, cementing himself as a regular starter under Cristian Chivu.
Although he missed out on Italy’s U21 Euros squad this summer despite being widely touted for a first ever call-up, he has been a mainstay in the Azzurri’s U19 set-up.
Giovanni Leoni to Inter Milan Rumours Intensify as Chivu Departs
Milan-based paper Gazzetta dello Sport have suggested that Inter Milan will accommodate Chivu’s arrival with some notable additions to the squad.
Although the best betting apps have Inter down as favourites to snatch back their crown next season, an injection of youth is needed as the oldest squad in Serie A nears an average of 30. Giovanni Leoni is reportedly chief among their young targets.
Parma are expected to demand at least $17 million to sign the 18-year-old, despite playing less than half a season in the top-flight. That figure may well rise, with Sky Italia’s Gianluca Di Marzio also reporting that Juventus’s new-look hierarchy are keen to rival both Milan teams, and Napoli, for his signature.
Although Parma have communicated to potential suitors that Leoni is not for sale this summer, their colourful financial history is well-documented, and a bidding war to drive up the price may force their hand to sell.
Giovanni Leoni Stats and Style of Play
Giovanni Leoni is billed as the archetypal modern centre-back; tall, quick and equally strong on both feet. Leoni can operate as a traditional centre-back, or on the right side of a three-man defence.
- Serie A appearances: 17
- Pass Completion Rate: 89%
- Clearances Per Game: 3.6
- Interceptions Per Game: 1
Giovanni Leoni – Serie A 24/25:
🔄51 passes per 90
📈89% pass accuracy⚔️1.8 ground duels won per 90
📈65% of ground duels won✈️1.3 aerial duels won per 90
📈68% of aerial duels won18 years of age. One of the most complete teenage CBs in Europe. The future of Calcio. 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/LPCHgST51h
— Football Talent Scout – Jacek Kulig (@FTalentScout) April 23, 2025
