Leonardo Spinazzola is officially a Napoli player. The announcement came via a post on X by president Aurelio De Laurentiis, who welcomed the new signing with a warm “Welcome Leonardo”.
The blue club also celebrated Spinazzola's arrival on X with the message: "Leonardo is proud to be one of us". Spinazzola began his career in the youth sector of Virtus Foligno, where he played from 6 to 14 years old before being noticed by Siena.
In August 2014, Spinazzola moved on loan to Atalanta, making his official debut on the 23rd of the same month in the Coppa Italia against Pisa. After six months, he moved on loan to Vicenza, and subsequently, in July 2015, to Perugia.
With the Umbrians, he established himself as a starter, playing a crucial role in the season. In 2016, he returned to Atalanta on a two-year loan, contributing significantly to the 2016-2017 season, which saw the team finish in fourth place in Serie A.
However, a knee injury in the spring of 2018 interrupted his season, forcing him to undergo surgery. In July 2018, he returned to Juventus, but the after-effects of the injury delayed his return to the field until January 2019.
Despite his few appearances, he won the Italian Super Cup and the Scudetto with the Bianconeri. In June 2019, Spinazzola was sold permanently to Roma.
He made his debut for the Giallorossi in September 2019 and scored his first international goal in the UEFA Europa League against Wolfsberger. A serious injury during the 2020 European Championship kept him out for most of the following season, but he returned to action in May 2022, helping them win the UEFA Europa Conference League.
Spinazzola made his debut for the Italian senior national team in March 2017 under Gian Piero Ventura. He became a key player for coach Roberto Mancini and took part in the 2020 European Championship, where he was named best player in two matches and included in the tournament's All Star Team XI.
Despite a serious injury during the quarter-finals, he became European champion with Italy. In June 2023, he was called up for the final phase of the 2022-2023 UEFA Nations League, which Italy closed in third place.
Article published on 10 July 2024 - 13:25
