‘Expecting More Growth’ – Youth Coach Makes Admission On Leeds United Loanee | OneFootball

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Andrea Zanchetta, who was Leeds United loanee Willy Gnonto’s coach during his academy years at Inter Milan, has admitted that he expected ‘more growth’ from the Italian winger.

Fiorentina secured the 22-year-old on loan from Leeds during the summer window, while the Serie A outfit can make the move permanent for €15m next year.

Gnonto’s departure from Elland Road was an emotional one for Leeds boss Daniel Farke, who admitted that seeing the winger leave brought him to tears.

The Italian winger has made three appearances in Serie A so far, all from the bench, and will be looking to kick on in the coming months.

The attacker recently featured in a friendly for Fiorentina against lower league side Signa, where he scored a goal and provided an assist, helping his team secure a massive 9-0 victory.

The display could prove valuable for Gnonto as he looks to build confidence and earn a more prominent role in Fiorentina’s plans.

Zanchetta acknowledged that Gnonto remains a young player, but believes there is clear potential in the Leeds loanee, having always regarded the winger as an intelligent footballer.

He admitted that he had expected ‘more growth’ from the attacker, suggesting that the winger’s progress could have been enough to earn him a call-up to the Italy national team by now.

Zanchetta stressed that Gnonto still has plenty of time to rediscover his best form, while believing that his move to Fiorentina could provide the right environment for the winger to continue his development.

Speaking on Viola amore mio (via Firenze Viola), he said: “He’s still young, but objectively, yes, there is something, because I’ve always considered him an intelligent player.

“I was perhaps expecting more growth, especially for a guy like him; he’d even been called up to the national team.

“Then again, sometimes experiences abroad bring you back down to Earth.

“We think the level is high here, but it’s not elsewhere.

“However, Gnonto has plenty of time to recover, and the environment in Florence could be perfect for him.”

A former Fiorentina striker has drawn parallels between Leeds loanee Gnonto and Napoli icon Lorenzo Insigne, pointing to the similarities in their respective styles.

An Italian scout has also spoken highly of the winger, describing him as a ‘good player’.

With Fiorentina set to face Genoa in Serie A on 10th October, Gnonto will hope his recent performances are enough to earn him a place in the starting lineup, while Leeds will continue to watch closely, not least with an eye on the option to buy potentially being triggered in the future.