Inter Milan Make Parma Teenage Sensation Top Target In Defense – Bologna & Genoa Stars Also On Radar

Originally posted on SempreInter.com | By Toni Weeler | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 5:59 AM ET

Inter Milan have identified Parma defender Giovanni Leoni as their top target at the back.

This according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, 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.

Inter Milan Make Parma Defender Giovanni Leoni Top Target

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 Sam Beukema is a player who Inter have been monitoring for months. Meanwhile, the Nerazzurri have reportedly already approached Genoa regarding Koni De Winter.

The Gazzetta 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.

According to the Gazzetta, Parma don’t necessarily want to sell Leoni this summer. Considering he is just eighteen years of age, they feel that with another season in Emilia-Romagna, his value could increase.

However, with Inter – and other big Italian clubs – pressing to sign Leoni, the Gialloblu may struggle to keep hold of the young defender.

This article first appeared on SempreInter.com and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: