Parma coach Cuesta discusses Leoni future amid Juventus, Inter and Milan links | OneFootball

Parma head coach Carlos Cuesta has admitted ‘it is very positive that the big clubs want to sign” Giovanni Leoni but stressed the youngster “is very committed and highly professional” amid rumours linking the 18-year-old to Milan, Inter and Juventus.

Speaking in a lengthy interview to Sky Sport Insider, with quotes via TMW, Cuesta also reflected on the “very difficult decision” to leave his role as Mikel Arteta’s assistant at Premier League club Arsenal, in order to become the new head coach at Parma earlier this summer.

Carlos Cuesta Parma press conference (@1913parmacalcio)

Cuesta: ‘Parma feels like home; on why I left Arsenal…’

Speaking about his arrival and integration at Parma, Cuesta said “There’s definitely a daily dynamic here that makes me feel really good, like I’m at home. I feel there’s a great willingness from the players, and I am really happy about that.”

Cuesta joined Parma this summer to fill the vacant role left by new Inter head coach Cristian Chivu. The Spaniard spent five years on the bench at Arsenal, working closely with Mikel Arteta and becoming the youngest of the coach’s assistants.

At just 29, Cuesta becomes the youngest manager in Serie A and is eager to make a name for himself: “There’s a history here that involves many great players and coaches who have passed through this club. It makes you understand the importance of this club – not only in Italy, but internationally as well.”

Reflecting on leaving Arsenal, Cuesta said “I was really happy at Arsenal but sometimes in life things happen that you do not expect and they make you feel differently. That’s what happened to me. It was a very difficult decision but I knew it was the right one.”

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)

Cuesta praises ‘professional’ Leoni amid transfer speculation

Cuesta was also asked about the future of 18-year-old defender Giovanni Leoni. The young Italian is considered one of the country’s best young talents and has deservedly attracted the interest of some of the biggest clubs in Europe; Inter, Milan, Juventus and Liverpool all having been linked to the centre-back in recent weeks.

When asked about the speculation, Cuesta replied that “It is very positive that the big clubs want to sign our players. It speaks well of who we are: of our scouting department, our strategy and the coaches who came before me. Leoni is very committed, eager to improve, highly professional and has great potential.”