Giovanni Leoni’s first Italy senior call-up under Gennaro Gattuso ended in frustration, as the Liverpool teenager remained unused.
Giovanni Leoni admitted it came as a surprise when his name was included in Gennaro Gattuso’s 27-man Italy squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers.
At just 18, the Liverpool defender spoke of the “indescribable feeling” of joining the senior setup, telling Vivo Azzurro TV that it filled him with pride to be part of the group.
Italy went on to secure a 5-0 win over Estonia and followed it with a thrilling 5-4 victory against Israel, yet Leoni could only watch from the stands. Gattuso kept faith in his backline, making just one defensive change across the two games.
The teenager’s rise has been rapid, with the call-up seen as recognition of his potential and the trust Italy’s head coach already places in him. Expectations of a breakthrough moment naturally followed.
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What Giovanni Leoni said about his National call
The Liverpool youngster has not featured in a competitive match since Parma’s friendly defeat to Heidenheim on August 9.
While chances with the Reds may come later this month in the Carabao Cup, Leoni could also build rhythm with the U21s or even step into UEFA Youth League fixtures, where Liverpool’s academy side will face Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven.
Despite missing out on a debut, the defender described his time with Italy as a valuable learning experience.
Training alongside senior internationals offered him a first-hand view of the standards required at the top level, and his conversations with assistant coach Leonardo Bonucci proved especially meaningful.
Leoni said, “He gave me some advice since he was a great defender. I’ve always liked his leadership and his ability to play with the ball.” For a teenager still awaiting his senior breakthrough, the chance to learn from one of Italy’s all-time greats could prove as influential as any minutes on the pitch.”
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