Not just Leoni: 2006 Italy World Cup winner names four more promising Italy defenders

Andrea Barzagli is intrigued by the potential of young Italian defenders, naming five solid prospects for Italian football, including Giovanni Leoni .

Barzagli has recently taken on a new role as Silvio Baldini’s assistant for Italy U21.

An eight-time Serie A champion with Juventus and a 2006 Italy World Cup winner, Barzagli will work closely with a new generation of young defenders.

FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 07: Andrea Barzagli of FIGC during the international friendly match between Italy U17 and France U17 at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on December 7, 2021 in Florence, Italy . (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Luca Marianucci, who joined Napoli from Empoli this summer, is among the players to watch during the international break.

“I have to say that all of our centre-backs are very interesting profiles,” Barzagli told Gazzetta.

“They are well-built, very focused and involved. Marianucci has an important presence on the pitch and a good left foot. [Fabio] Chiarodia is a very talented boy, still a bit shy. But I could also mention [Filippo] Mane, [Giovanni] Leoni, who is with the senior team, or [Gabriele] Guarino.”

Leoni received his first senior Italy call-up this month, just a few weeks after joining Premier League giants Liverpool from Parma.

Barzagli was one of the best Italian defenders in the last decade and has a valuable tip for emerging centre-backs.

SOLNA, SWEDEN – NOVEMBER 10: (L-R) Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci of Italy look on during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Play-Off: First Leg between Sweden and Italy at Friends Arena on November 10, 2017 in Solna, Sweden. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“Unfortunately, it’s a thankless role. You grow a lot when you make mistakes,” he said.

“You understand the error and don’t let yourself get caught out again. You improve in reading the game, and that’s something you can only really learn in matches, by playing. In Italy , we have a tradition of defenders, and even those who were already strong at a young age improved even more with experience.”

During the same interview, Barzagli explained how he became involved in the Italy U21 project under new coach Baldini and stated that he wasn’t surprised to see many over-30 players join Serie A clubs this summer.