Roberto Mancini travelled to England in recent weeks hoping to see Giovanni Leoni back in action, but the defender's comeback has been postponed. Italy and Liverpool are still waiting for his return to action.
Mancini's trip to England
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mancini travelled to England in recent weeks in hopes of seeing Leoni play again. According to Gazzetta, Mancini recently travelled to England to watch several Italian players in action, hoping to see Leoni on the pitch, but the defender is still not ready to return.
Injury and delayed comeback
Leoni has been sidelined for over a year after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in September 2025. His comeback has been postponed. Liverpool.com reported that his recovery has taken longer than anticipated.
Iraola's update and November hope
Andoni Iraola said Leoni would return to group training during the long September-October break. The Italy coach hopes Liverpool doctors will give the ex-Parma defender the green light after the November break.
Italy call-up and appearances
Leoni earned his first Italy call-up in September 2025 under Gennaro Gattuso, just weeks before he suffered an ACL injury on his Liverpool debut. He has not yet made his senior Azzurri debut and has only one appearance for the Reds.
