Federico Chiesa sent a message of support to his Italian teammate Giovanni Leoni, who was stretchered off during his full Liverpool debut in their EFL Cup win over Southampton on Tuesday night: ‘I’m sorry for what happened to him, he has an Italian defensive mind’.

Chiesa and Leoni both lined up as starters for Liverpool in their 2-1 win over Southampton in the EFL Cup on Tuesday evening.

Both earned rave reviews for their performances, particularly Leoni, who was starting for the first time since his €35m transfer from Parma over the summer.

Leoni’s evening was cut short 10 minutes before the 90th, though, when he took a tumble on the touchline and went down in agony.

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 stretcher was called for and the 18-year-old was carried down the tunnel. The extent of his injury remains to be seen.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Chiesa, speaking to Liverpool’s internal media channels after full-time on Tuesday night, was full of praise for his compatriot, who he claims has ‘an Italian defensive mind, like the old defenders back in the day’.

He also sent the teenager all the best in his injury recovery.

“I’m sorry for Giovanni Leoni for what has happened to him,” Chiesa said. “We don’t know yet what will happen to him but I hope it’s nothing bad because he has a bright future ahead, he’s a fantastic guy and a great footballer.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Giovanni Leoni of Liverpool controls the ball whilst under pressure from Leo Scienza of Southampton during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

“He’s just 18, but I hope it’s nothing bad, but we’ll see.

“I saw him last year in Serie A and he already showed calmness on the ball and a great defensive mind, an Italian defensive mind like the old defenders back in the day. I hope it’s nothing.”