Report – Teenage Parma Breakout Star Shoots To Top Of Inter Milan Shortlist In Defense | OneFootball

Parma defender Giovanni Leoni has rapidly risen up the shortlist of Inter Milan as they look to bolster their backline.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan have been keen to sign teenage defender Giovanni Leoni since last summer. They had been in talks to sign the Italy Under-21 international from Sampdoria.

However, it was Parma who won the race for Leoni’s signature.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed extremely impressive form since making the switch to the Emilian club.

Particularly over the second half of the campaign, Leoni’s form stood out. He was a key player in Parma’s success in the relegation battle under Cristian Chivu.

And with Cristian Chivu niow set to become Inter coach, a move for the teenager looks increasingly logical.

Giovanni Leoni Rises To The Top Of Inter Milan Defensive Shortlist

PARMA, ITALY – APRIL 05:Giovanni Leoni of Parma Calcio in action during the Serie A match between Parma and FC Internazionale at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 05, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

It has always been abundantly clear that Inter would sign a defender this summer.

The likes of Francesco Acerbi and Stefan de Vrij certainly aren’t getting any younger. Therefore, it is necessary for the Nerazzurri to rejuvenate their backline.

And there have been a number of targets to emerge in this respect.

Bologna defender John Lucumi is a player who Inter have been monitoring for months. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri have reportedly already approached Genoa regarding Koni De Winter.

Tuttosport confirm that these two players are targets for Inter.

However, the newspaper anticipate, Leoni has jumped to the top of the Nerazzurri’s list. Particularly with Chivu’s arrival on the bench.

Tuttosport report that now Giovanni Leoni sits right near the top of Inter’s list of targets in defense.