Leoni wanted by Inter and Milan, but ‘my exams are tougher than football’ for 18-year-old

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)

Parma defender Giovanni Leoni is hot property, in the centre of a bidding war between Milan and Inter, but has more important things on his mind. ‘My exams are tougher.’

The centre-back is only 18 years old, but has already made 17 Serie A appearances, even scoring a goal to help keep Parma in the top flight.

It proved enough to make him one of the most exciting young talents on the Italian transfer market, sparking a battle between San Siro rivals Inter and Milan.

In an interview with the Corriere del Veneto newspaper, picked up by La Gazzetta dello Sport, he explains why this is the last thing on his mind right now.

Leoni distracted by difficult exams

“I am happy to have finally finished my schooling, my exams are tougher than playing football, especially when getting grilled over the works of Pirandello,” said Leoni.

It is not just because he is so distracted by the constant training routines and travel for his profession, as Leoni also had to do all of that while studying.

“I always struggled with study, above all because of my dyslexia, but I always put a great deal of effort in. I won’t lie, it has been tough balancing it all, I was able to attend school up until the first quarter of the fourth year, then the move to Sampdoria, then Parma.

“I would train in the morning, do private lessons in the afternoon, and I thank the school for being very helpful with those of us who are both students and athletes.”

He is thinking about his future, trying to combine an education with his football career.

“I have decided to enrol in university, doing sport education. I am leaning towards somewhere that allows me to do remote learning, so I can also dedicate myself to my career on the pitch, but an education is fundamental and I want to keep doing it.”

Leoni is only 18 years of age, but is dealing with the sudden pressure of becoming a Serie A star very well.

“Seeing my face in the newspapers doesn’t put pressure on me. If anything, it is pleasing, and helps me stay concentrated on my objectives. For now, I will stay where I am, because Parma is not just strong on a sporting level, it is also a great place to live and the food is wonderful.”