Van Dijk, Wirtz and Isak respond to Leoni’s injury update: ‘You’ll be back stronger’ | OneFootball

Teammates, past and present have sent their well wishes to young Italy defender Giovanni Leoni, who picked up an unfortunate, serious injury on his full debut for Liverpool earlier this week.

Liverpool and Italy stars wish Leoni all the best

Leoni is expected to miss the vast majority of the 2025-26 campaign, if not longer, with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which he picked up towards the end of Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday night.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool receives medical treatment to an injury before being substituted off during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The 18-year-old, who joined Liverpool from Parma at a cost of €35m during the summer transfer window, wrote the following after his injury was confirmed: “I want to sincerely thank every single person who has shown me support in this difficult moment.

“It wasn’t the debut I had always dreamed of, but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much!”

Several players and clubs have since reacted to the teenager’s social media update, including Liverpool star Florian Wirtz, who wrote: “You’ll come back stronger.” Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and teammates Alexander Isak, Andrew Robertson, Conor Bradley and Rio Ngumoha have also responded with a series of emojis.

Italy international Sandro Tonali has also sent him all the best on social media, as has fellow ex-Liverpool forward Fabio Borini.

Leoni has also been sent messages from the Italy national team account, the official Liverpool account and the account of his former club, Parma. Italy colleagues Daniele Ghilardi and Giovanni Fabbian have also sent messages to the injured Leoni.