Inter Milan were hoping to sign rising Sampdoria youngster Giovanni Leoni on a particular swap deal, but this option is now dead in the water.
The 17-year-old attracted the interest of the Nerazzurri among other top Serie A suitors following his exploits from last season.
The young defender is a Padova youth product who signed for the Blucerchiati in January. He immediately carved himself a starting role at Andrea Pirlo’s court, becoming one of the main revelations of the Serie A campaign.
Therefore, Inter have been keen to sign Leoni this summer, and perhaps keep him on loan at Sampdoria for another season so he can more experience on the senior level.
The Italian champions offered the services of Filip Stankovic as an exchange pawn.
The 22-year-old Serbian goalkeeper spent the previous campaign on loan with the Ligurians, producing encouraging displays between the sticks.
But according to Tuttosport via FcInterNews, Inter’s hopes of pulling off this operation have suffered a major blow.
As the source explains, Sampdoria have decided to hand the starting gloves to Paolo Vismara. The Ligurians signed the 21-year-old earlier in the summer from Atalanta U23, and has apparently won Pirlo’s favor.
Inter Milan Suffer Giovanni Leoni Blow As Sampdoria No Longer Need Filip Stankovic
Hence, Sampdoria have closed the door on Stankovic’s return to the Luigi Ferraris Stadium. Therefore, Inter must find the Serbian gpalkeeper another destination.
But more importantly, the Nerazzurri will have to come up with an alternative solution to poach Leoni.
Sampdoria have tied the player down with a contract valid until June 2027.
The Roma native has already represented the Italian national team’s U18 side on one occasion. He also received a call-up for Italy U19.
