Giovanni Carnevali has outlined a plan to increase the number of Italian players in Juventus’ squad after a summer transfer window dominated by overseas recruits.
“Palmisani in the sights? He is a goalkeeper with a future and he is Italian, an important aspect because we want to expand the group of Italians in the squad,” the Juventus chief said at the Trento Sports Festival.
Eight of Juventus’ 10 summer additions held foreign passports, with Guglielmo Vicario and Ekhator the exceptions. The club now wants a stronger Italian presence as it looks towards the next stages of its rebuild.
The most immediate issue is in goal. Vicario has impressed since joining on loan from Tottenham and Juventus are increasingly inclined to make his move permanent.
The 29-year-old has established himself with his distribution, reliability and leadership, while his response after the defeat in Reggio Emilia helped win over supporters. Juventus have an option to buy him for €8 million.
At the same time, the club is looking towards Lorenzo Palmisani. The Frosinone goalkeeper has emerged as one of Italy Under-21’s notable prospects and Juventus would like to move for him as early as January.
The possibility of Vicario and Palmisani eventually being together in Turin would give Juventus both present stability and a long-term option.
The club is also tracking Italian defenders in the Premier League. Giovanni Leoni is a leading target after his move from Parma to Liverpool and Juventus previously explored a loan for the 19-year-old.
Liverpool did not open the door to that proposal, but Juventus have not abandoned their interest. Technical director Massara and sporting director Ottolini are expected to keep Leoni under close observation as he works his way back from a serious knee injury.
Michael Kayode is another player on the list. The 22-year-old Brentford full-back came through Juventus’ youth system and has added to his profile with Italy.
Cher Ndour, the Fiorentina midfielder who is also part of Italy Under-21, completes a group of Italian targets being considered across several positions.