Overview

• The 18-year-old defender has been named to Italy’s senior squad for World Cup qualifiers against Estonia on Friday and Israel on Monday.
• Leoni said he did not expect the call-up, describing the selection as a proud moment after recently settling in at Liverpool.
• He highlighted guidance from Virgil van Dijk at club level and on-field advice from Leonardo Bonucci within Gattuso’s staff.
• Leoni joined Liverpool from Parma in a deal reported at about £26 million and was on the bench for the win at Newcastle last week.
• Federico Chiesa was left out of the squad by mutual decision, with Gattuso saying the forward did not feel ready to return at less than 100%.