Napoli and Inter are ready to go head-to-head in a dynamic race to sign Sampdoria and Italy Under-18 defender Giovanni Leoni this summer. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, both sides have set their sights on the super-talented teenager, who could be available for as low as €5 million.
Inter monitored the 17-year-old’s progress at Stadio Luigi Ferraris last season. Scouts have returned to base with rave reviews, convincing the Nerazzurri leadership to consider a tangible offer for Leoni. He spent the 2023/24 campaign at Sampdoria on loan from Padova.
The Genoa-based outfit didn’t have to think twice before pulling the trigger on his buyout clause. Sampdoria had to part with only €1.5m to sign the youngster permanently. They’re poised to make triple that amount from his exit, with Napoli ready to rival Inte for his signature.
Both Inter and Napoli would leave Leoni on a season-long loan at Sampdoria to continue his development. It could be crucial for Sampdoria, who will make another push to secure a return to Serie A following a faltered attempt last term.
However, Inter and Napoli aren’t the only teams interested in Leoni. Juventus and Torino are also keen on the young gun, whose skills are in high demand abroad. Monaco and Tottenham Hotspur haven’t let his burgeoning talent slip their radars.
Sampdoria chiefs must be rubbing their hands. With Napoli accelerating talks to lure Leoni to the Diego Maradona Stadium, Inter could end up empty-handed. But they could still make several purchases in the city this summer. Genoa CEO André Blazquez recently delivered his verdict on Nerazzurri’s pursuit of Albert Gudmundsson and Josep Martinez.
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