Liverpool’s Leoni Unused in Italy Debut, Set for Gradual Integration
Liverpool summer signing Giovanni leoni did not feature in either of Italy’s recent U21 European Championship qualifying matches despite receiving a first call-up to the national squad. The 19-year-old center-back was an unused substitute in both the 2-0 win against Latvia on September 8 and the 1-1 draw with Montenegro on September 12.Leoni’s omission doesn’t diminish Liverpool’s confidence in his potential, lessening the impact of their failed pursuit of Marc Guehi during the summer transfer window. The club intends to ease the young defender into action, perhaps beginning with a debut in the Carabao Cup third-round clash against Southampton on September 23.
liverpool are also considering opportunities for Leoni to gain playing time with the U21s or even the U19s in the UEFA Youth League. The youth side will participate in six matches within the UEFA Youth League, mirroring the first six fixtures of the senior team’s Champions League group stage. Those matches include home games against Atletico Madrid, Real madrid, and PSV Eindhoven, and away trips to Galatasaray, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Inter Milan.
During his time with the Italy squad, Leoni benefitted from working alongside Leonardo bonucci, now an assistant to manager Gennaro Gattuso. “Here in the national team I spoke to Bonucci, he gave me some advice as he was a great defender,” Leoni told Vivo Azzurro TV. ”I’ve always liked his leadership and his ability to play with the ball.”
