Giovanni Leoni Admits He Is ‘Truly Happy’ After Receiving Maiden Italy Call-Up

Giovanni Leoni has admitted that he is ‘truly happy‘ to have received his first senior call-up to the Italy squad. 

Leoni has been included alongside fellow roster debutants Francesco Pio Esposito and Giovanni Fabbian. The trio will be hoping to earn valuable minutes in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel.

The Azzurri will take on the former at Atalanta’s Gewiss Stadium on September 5. Three days later, Gennaro Gattuso’s side will then face the latter in an ‘away’ fixture in Debrecen, Hungary.

Giovanni Leoni On Italy Call-Up

“Indeed, it is an indescribable emotion; it is a pride to be part of this team and train with players of this calibre,” Giovanni Leoni said on his first call-up.

The new Liverpool signing admitted that he spoke to head coach Gennaro Gattuso over the summer but there were no indications that he would be included in September’s squad.

“No, I have to be honest, but I am truly happy. It means a lot to hear these words from the coach who has had a very important career. I will have to show on the field what I can do to help the team,” he said.

“I still had to get used to Liverpool, but I had spoken with the coach during the summer, we had a conversation, and I was called up. Of course, I was very happy and proud to be here,” Leoni added.

How Much Did Giovanni Leoni Cost Liverpool?

It’s been a busy couple of weeks for Italy defender Giovanni Leoni. Inter head coach Cristian Chivu was desperate to sign Leoni but ultimately, the 18-year-old wonderkid opted for Liverpool.

His move to the English Premier League champions cost a reported €35m including add-ons. Leoni went on to admit that current Reds star Virgil van Dijk is his idol.

“It has always been Van Dijk. Now, I can play alongside him and share the locker room, he is an exceptional person and a phenomenal player,” Leoni admitted.

Although Leoni is yet to make his debut for the Merseysiders, a strong showing against Estonia and/or Israel will surely see head coach Arne Slot consider him for upcoming league and cup fixtures.

Will Giovanni Leoni Make His Italy Debut Against Estonia Or Israel?

The Italy fixtures will pit the Azzurri against Estonia and Israel in the coming days. New head coach Gennaro Gattuso will make his bow in the dugout at the Gewiss Stadium on September 5 against the former.

Whether or not Leoni will get on the field against the Estonians remains to be seen. However, making his debut off the bench is a strong possibility – depending on the score.

The likes of Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco will likely start in Bergamo. Therefore, Leoni coming on is a realistic option.

Against Israel, Gattuso will probably start with the same back four. Assuming injuries don’t disrupt his plans. Once again, bringing on Leoni from the bench will be the likeliest option from Gattuso’s perspective.