Giovanni Leoni’s dream Italy call-up ends without a debut
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Giovanni Leoni, an 18-year-old centre-back, recently received his first senior call-up to the Italy national team under new coach Gennaro Gattuso. This marked a significant milestone for the Liverpool defender, who had just completed a transfer from Serie A club Parma to Liverpool earlier in August 2025. Leoni expressed an “indescribable feeling” upon being named to the squad for September’s World Cup qualifying fixtures.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding his national team inclusion, Leoni was ultimately cut from the matchday squads for both upcoming Italy games against Estonia and Israel. These matches are crucial for Italy, which is struggling to secure qualification for the World Cup amidst stiff competition in their group. Italy sits with three points from two matches, trailing leaders Norway and second-placed Israel.
Leoni has yet to make his official Premier League debut for Liverpool, having only recently visited Anfield as part of his acclimatization to the club. Photos from his visit show him attending Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture against AFC Bournemouth, where he had the chance to experience the home atmosphere firsthand.
The Italy call-up reflects the high regard in which Leoni is held nationally and the potential seen in him by both his club and country. The new Italy coach aims to build a strong "family" feeling in the squad during a challenging period marked by consecutive missed World Cups and significant pressure on the team’s younger talents.
Alongside Leoni, other notable first-time call-ups include Inter Milan’s Francesco Pio Esposito and Bologna’s Giovanni Fabbian. Veterans such as Atalanta’s Gianluca Scamacca and Roma’s Gianluca Mancini have also returned to the squad after previous injury absences, signaling a blend of youth and experience in Gattuso’s approach.
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