Juventus are considering a move for Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni and Frosinone goalkeeper Lorenzo Palmisani as part of plans to strengthen the club’s Italian contingent from 2027.
The concern has become more visible in recent weeks. In their two matches immediately before the international break, Juventus fielded no Italian outfield players in their starting line-up. Their match against Sassuolo on 13 September was the first time in their Serie A history that they had begun a game without an Italian outfield player.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario was the only Italian to start both matches.
The absence of captain Manuel Locatelli and Italy international Andrea Cambiaso because of injury contributed to the situation. However, even with both players available, Juventus have relatively few Italian-born footballers established in their first-team squad.
The club’s permanent Italian members currently include goalkeepers Vicario and Carlo Pinsoglio, along with Cambiaso, Federico Gatti, Locatelli, Daniele Rugani and Jeff Ekhator. Of those players, Vicario, Cambiaso and Locatelli are viewed as the only ones likely to be regular Serie A starters for the Bianconeri.
The make-up of the squad is a particular concern for Juventus supporters in Italy because the side that won nine consecutive Serie A titles between 2012 and 2020 was built around a strong group of Italy internationals. That team included Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Juventus’ senior management has recognised the issue and wants to add a number of promising Italian players during future transfer windows.
Palmisani is one of the players being considered. Juventus still have the option to sign Vicario permanently for €8m at the end of the 2026-27 season, but Palmisani is regarded as a possible long-term alternative. The Frosinone goalkeeper is currently a key member of the Italy U21 squad.
Juventus are also admirers of Leoni, who plays for Liverpool. La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the Italian club had offered to take the teenager on loan while he continued his recovery from a year-long knee injury.
The Bianconeri are also interested in Riccardo Calafiori and recently capped Italy international Michael Kayode. However, they recognise that both players are almost certain to be beyond their budget in the summer.
Fiorentina midfielder Cher Ndour is another potential target, with La Gazzetta dello Sport reporting that Juventus are interested in exploring a deal for him.