Story perspectives
Five Rising Star Defenders Captured by Italy U21 Coach
9/9/2025
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Story summary
- Andrea Barzagli, assistant to Italy U21 coach Silvio Baldini, highlights five promising young defenders.
- Giovanni Leoni, 18, recently joined Liverpool after a strong season with Parma, earning his first senior call-up.
- Luca Marianucci, 21, is versatile and made 18 Serie A appearances last season with Napoli.
- Fabio Chiarodia plays for Borussia Monchengladbach and has made 16 Bundesliga appearances.
- Gabriele Guarino, with Empoli in Serie B, is gaining experience following a loan spell.
