Parma, 27 August 2024 – Parma Calcio can announce that Giovanni Leoni has joined the Club from UC Sampdoria on a permanent deal.

Born in Rome in 2006, Giovanni made his professional debut last season in Serie B with the Blucerchiati, collecting one goal in his 12 appearances: he was the youngest player in the league. A central defender, he is capable in the air and in the top five European leagues (and their second divisions), of the players with at least 10 appearances, he is second only to another defender, Pau Cubarsì, from Barcelona and winner of an Olympic gold with his National Team.

Giovanni Leoni: “I am happy about this new adventure, I am ready to give it 100% every single day, in training, on the pitch, always. I can't wait to put myself at the staff and my new teammates' disposal. What caught me about this journey is that Parma, in recent years, has banked a lot on young players, they have a low average age. I thought it would be the perfect time to join this Club: I like the idea, I think that having young players out there brings more responsibility but is also an honour and a pleasure, given the shirt we are wearing. There is a lot of trust and I want to pay that back as soon as possible'.

Sporting Director, Mauro Pederzoli: “We are thrilled to welcome Giovanni, he is our fifth reinforcement of the window. He is very young, born in 2006, and part of the Italy youth set-up. He has great determination and desire, he is a player that needs to be given the right tools to grow and improve. He will need to be good at leaving his mark and showing the skills that struck us in Serie B last season'.