Italian defender names Newcastle star as most impressive Premier League opponent | OneFootball

During his interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Nottingham Forest defender Nicolò Savona said that Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon is the most impressive Premier League opponent he’s faced in England so far.

Italian defender Savona named the most impressive Premier League opponent he’s faced with Nottingham Forest so far in 2025-26.

Savona praises Newcastle’s Gordon

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 25: Nicolò Savona of Juventus celebrates after the Serie A match between Venezia and Juventus at Stadio Pier Luigi Penzo on May 25, 2025 in Venice, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon; he’s skilful and lightning-fast in his first steps,” he said.

“After Christmas, I’ll face Haaland again. We crossed paths when I was with Juventus at the Club World Cup: on December 27, we play Manchester City.”

Savona didn’t only face Manchester City’s Haaland during the Club World Cup, but also had the worst in a challenge with the Norway international, which forced him to the sidelines for several weeks.

Savona joined Forest on a permanent transfer from Juventus last summer, following Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz.

The Brazilian struggled to make an impact during his year at the Allianz Stadium, though Savona remains uncertain about why his stint in Turin failed to succeed.

Savona ‘not sure’ why Douglas Luiz flopped at Juventus

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 01: Nicolo Savona of Nottingham Forest celebrates scoring his team’s second goal with teammate Callum Hudson-Odoi during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at City Ground on November 01, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

“I’m not sure. He’s a very strong midfielder,” he said.

“It’s great to play with Douglas; we have a good relationship. Forest deserve better than our current position in the standings, and we’ve started to show it.

“After the draw against Manchester United, we beat Leeds, and in between, there was a 0-0 draw away to Sturm Graz in the Europa League. We’re on the right path, and thanks to the incredible bond between the team and the fans, we’ll keep climbing after the break.”

During the same interview, Savona recommended a move to the Premier League to his former Juventus teammate Kenan Yildiz but also wished good luck to Juventus for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign.