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Meet the 19-year old boy from Castiglione delle Stiviere who is tipped to replace the legendary Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon in the near future. That is what new Italian champions Juventus think of the U-19 Italian international as the Bianconeri have finalised a five year deal worth 3.8 million euros with Brescia to bring him to Turin.
Leali is a highly talented youngster who has already impressed many with his maturity and talent as he made 16 appearances for Brescia in Serie B last season. Such is the talk surrounding this boy’s prospects in the country that many pundits have tipped him to be the new Italy goalkeeper come 2014 World Cup in Brazil, should the Azzurri qualify.
Born in a small town in Northern Italy Nicola Leali is expected to be loaned out by Juve for the 2012-13 season as Buffon and Marco Storari would be above Leali in the pecking order. Although with Juve being so ecstatic and ambitious about the teenager’s signing, Antonio Conte might be having a few surprises up his sleeve come next season.
A born goalkeeping talent Leali has had to endure flattering praises and media attention at such a young but what has amazed everyone is how well he has handled all these distractions both on and off the field. His professionalism, great attention to the game and humility have led to this major turning point in a career that could be as legendary and eventful as the one enjoyed by the peerless Gigi Buffon both at club and international levels. The calmness that he showed in the blue and white colours of Brescia signifies the very depth of this budding football player. He leapfrogged the competition posed by the likes of Andrea Caroppo and Michal Hrivnak, the regular keepers at the club, and established himself as one of the best players for the Rondinelle.
At such a young stage, the six feet two inches tall Leali has experienced relegation for Brescia in the season before last which would be a great experience to call upon when the young star copes with other difficulties in his career. This is a dangerous stage for any highly rated footballer. Plaudits, praise and media uproar can end the career of a budding footballer before it has even started and that is why the role played by Brescia football club and few other individuals like Sergio Girardi and Brescia President Gino Corioni in keeping Leali at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti till the right time could make quite a difference in the young keeper’s career.
Since the age of 16, admirers from across the length and breadth of the country and Europe flocked to watch Nicola Leali and AC Milan showed the first real interest by launching a bid in 2010 followed by offers from Napoli, Catania and even Sporting Club de Portugal. Yet Brescia were determined to sell their player to Juventus and the time has arrived as the Bianconeri look to build the future starting with the last man defence that is goalkeeper Nicola Leali.
Immediately after putting pen to paper Leali was quoted by the club website,
“It’s a dream come true. Joining such a prestigious club at my age is extremely gratifying and a great motivation to keep developing further.”
“Being part of the same club as a champion like Gigi Buffon is hugely satisfying, but it also makes me realise how much I’ll have to work for the opportunity to repay the trust placed in me.”
High praise has come from all quarters with people comparing him with the great Gianluigi Buffon and former Juve and Brescia coach Luigi Maifredi has this to say about the youngster.
“We’re talking about goalkeeping royalty here. He has had an extraordinary education. You will see him make history in Italian football. In fact, watching him play helps you to understand just how special the 18-year-old is. With a slender body, an assuredness between the posts, a great sense of positioning, excellent elasticity and catlike reflexes, he is very reminiscent of the young Buffon.”
