Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised young Italian talent Giovanni Leoni, stating that the promising defender is transforming into a ‘beast’ as he continues his rehabilitation from an ACL injury.
Slot provided an update on the fitness of the Italian centre-back, who is recovering from a significant knee injury sustained early in the season.
“If you look at Giovanni Leoni, I don’t know if you occasionally see some Instagram posts from the club, this guy is becoming a beast!” Slot remarked during a press conference, as reported by ThisIsAnfield.
The English media outlet highlighted that Leoni has been building muscle mass in his upper body during his recovery from the injury he sustained in September 2025, during his very first appearance for the Reds.
Leoni, aged 19, joined Liverpool from Parma last summer in a transfer deal valued at nearly €30 million.
Prior to his move to Anfield in 2025, Leoni had played 19 matches in Serie A for Parma, scoring one goal.
The Italian centre-back is currently under contract with Liverpool until June 2031.
The former Parma talent received a call-up to the senior Italy national team once in September 2025 but has yet to make his international debut for the Azzurri.
