Interest is hotting up for 18-year-old center-back Giovanni Leoni, who sensationally helped his side keep clean sheets against Juve in April and Napoli last month.
Having been initially monitored by Barcelona, the Bianconeri sent scouts to report on the rising star who had to roll his sleeves up to help Parma avoid relegation last season.
Igor Tudor and the then Juventus sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli got to see Leoni in action in April.
Juve attack outwitted
The only good aspect from Juve’s shock 1-0 reversal at Parma, which jeopardized the Bianconeri’s push for a top four finish, was the reassurance that Leoni had massive potential.
Despite Parma’s stuttering campaign, Leoni continued to thwart big teams. His most memorable match last term was when he effectively marked striker Romelu Lukaku out of the scoreless draw at home to Napoli in May.
Leoni’s eye-catching performances have resulted in a rapid rise through Italian soccer, having moved from Serie C Padova to top-flight Parma via Sampdoria.
He had come close to signing for Inter, only for negotiations to fall through, and instead joined Parma €5 million (US$5.71m) last August.
Evolution under Chivu
Leoni, whose contract expires at the end of the 2028/29 season, has been transformed since Cristian Chivu replaced Fabio Pecchia as head coach in February.
Leading Italian clubs are ready to pounce to sign Leoni, suitably impressed by his first year in Serie A that comprised 17 league games.
Parma, who are understandably reluctant to let their prized asset leave, have slapped a price tag of €15m (US$17.13m) on the Rome-born rising star.
Parma also want any potential buyer to loan him back to tackle the 2025/26 campaign, which would suit Juventus but maybe not some of his other admirers.