Savona: What kind of defender would Newcastle be getting from Juventus? | OneFootball

Newcastle are reportedly interested in Juventus defender Nicolò Savona, but what kind of defender is the 22-year-old, and where can he be deployed?

When ex-Juventus coach Thiago Motta gave Savona his senior debut last season, not many were familiar with the qualities and skill sets of the 22-year-old defender, who ended up making 40 appearances in his first senior season in Turin, grabbing two goals and one assist.

Savona mostly played as a right-back in the first part of the 2024-25 season, but when Motta was sacked in March, his replacement, Igor Tudor, also deployed Savona as a right centre-back in a three-man defence.

Born in Aosta on March 19, 2003, Savona joined the Juventus Academy from Aygreville in 2019 and played for the Old Lady’s U17, U19 and NextGen squad, making his debut in the first official game of last season, coming on as a substitute during the half-time break in a 3-0 win against Como.

Savona’s first Serie A goal

The Italian defender scored his first Serie A goal just one week later, in another 3-0 win against Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi.

Motta often picked Savona over Juventus veteran and ex-Bianconeri captain Danilo, ultimately prompting the Brazilian defender to leave Turin in the January transfer window.

Savona’s positive performances in the first part of the season also earned him his first senior Italy call-up in November 2024 for games against Belgium and France, in which, however, the versatile Juventus defender didn’t feature.

During that International break, Savona crossed paths with Newcastle star Sandro Tonali, who was also part of the Azzurri squad.

At 22, Savona clearly has room for improvement, but his physicality makes him an excellent prospect, especially for the right-back position.

Savona’s first full Serie A season at Juventus

VENICE, ITALY – MAY 25: Daniel Fila of Venezia is challenged by Nicolo Savona of Juventus during 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)

Savona provides balance to the team, but can be even more decisive in the final third, where his decision-making needs improvement. The Italian averaged 83% accurate passes in the opposition half in the 2024-25 Serie A matches, but only created two big chances in league games, according to Sofascore.

His displays in a three-man defence under Tudor were not entirely convincing, as his man-marking abilities are not as advanced as those of other Italian defenders.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA – JUNE 26: Nicolo Savona #37 of Juventus FC receives medical treatment during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group G match between Juventus FC and Manchester City FC at Camping World Stadium on June 26, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Surely, Savona showed his best version when deployed as right-back in a four-man defence, but this doesn’t mean he can’t cover a centre-back role in a three-man defence at a later stage in his career.

The 22-year-old still doesn’t seem ready for a starting spot as a centre-back in a four-man defence, but playing close to a defensive leader in that position could bring improvements in a short time.

Savona has recently signed a contract extension with Juventus until 2030, but he’s expected to miss the whole pre-season and return to action in mid-September after suffering an ankle injury in a Club World Cup defeat to Manchester City last month.