Inter Milan are targeting Parma’s teenage defender Giovanni Leoni, but face stiff competition from Liverpool, Tottenham, and Juventus, with the 18-year-old aiming for regular game time ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Inter Milan are ready to make a move for Parma’s 18-year-old defensive prodigy Giovanni Leoni, but the Serie A giants face fierce competition from both English Premier League clubs and some of Italy’s top teams. Leoni, who has impressed during his time with Parma, is valued at €40 million (£34m/$46m) by the Serie B side, with several suitors already circling.
While Inter are actively pursuing Leoni, the competition is intense. AC Milan and Juventus are both keen on the young defender, with Milan’s Massimiliano Allegri particularly interested in bringing Leoni into their defensive fold. Juventus also see him as a long-term partner for Gleison Bremer, although they will need to offload players like Dusan Vlahovic, Weston McKennie, and Timothy Weah before they can make a formal offer.
Leoni’s rise began with his standout performances at Sampdoria, which earned Parma’s €4 million investment to bring him to Serie A. His rapid development has since turned the heads of Italy’s elite clubs, and Inter, under manager Christian Chivu, are hoping that his prior connection with the coach will help tip the scales in their favor. Inter’s proposed development plan involves pairing him with experienced defenders Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij, providing Leoni with the mentorship needed to ease his transition to top-tier football.
Despite heavy interest from English clubs—Liverpool, Tottenham, and Newcastle all reportedly have Leoni on their radar—the player has made it clear that he is not keen on a move to the Premier League. His priority is securing regular game time in Serie A to bolster his chances of earning a spot in Italy’s squad for the 2026 World Cup. This decision makes Italy’s top clubs his preferred destination, with Inter looking to offer him the playing time he seeks.
Leoni, still in the early stages of his career, is carefully evaluating his options, and the club that can offer him the best pathway for development will likely land his signature. Inter Milan, seeking to inject youth into their defence, remain hopeful that the young defender will choose San Siro as his next destination.
