Being the son of the Atletico Madrid boss, a young footballer like Fiorentina’s Giovanni Simeone has access to some of the best advice in the business. Not only has his father been in charge at one of Spain’s top three clubs since 2011 – twice winning the Europa League and twice Champions League runners-up in that time – but enjoyed a glorious playing career both in La Liga and Serie A with Inter and Lazio.
Added in with 106 caps for Argentina, “El Cholo” provides a stellar example for 23-year-old Giovanni. The next generation of the Simeone family has already shown that he has a clear talent in the striker role, having fired in 14 goals for the Viola last term during what was a difficult campaign both on and off the pitch. Reports suggest that the Tuscan side have rejected a number of offers put forward for the young star in excess of €40 million, and it appears that Giovanni very much wants to stay put.
He takes advice not only from his father but has often obtained key counsel from Simeone Snr’s international team-mate Gabriel Batistuta, leading many to think “Cholito” has a real future in Florence. “It [the attention] was expected, as in today's football they do not give you time, they assess you before you can prove anything,” Batigol told ViolaNews in late June.
“I'm very close to his father, I'm pleased for him. I know he's a good lad, who works hard to get things done. Unfortunately, even if you work a lot you do not always get results, but he finished last season well so we hope he will start the next one even better.”
Indeed, Simeone has spent some time with his legendary compatriot this summer as Batistuta has resided in Florence to complete his coaching badges at nearby FIGC headquarters in Coverciano. Fiorentina supporters will be hoping that their young prodigy will follow the example of the club legend, Il Re Leone having fired in 168 goals in 269 appearances for the Viola and rebuffed advances from huge sides such as Real Madrid and Manchester United while at his goalscoring peak.
“I am completely certain that Astori is still there. Any time we're playing, any time we need him, we feel his presence."
"It has created a force inside us, a power that gives us a lot of strength.”
Such a scenario may well be unlikely in the modern game but – for the moment at least – the 23-year-old striker appears to be happy and settled where he is. He has a local girlfriend and a look at his Instagram account shows that Simeone is very much enjoying life in Tuscany, a vital element for a young footballer to achieve success and to aid in fulfilling his very clear potential.
"Last season I scored 14 goals, I know I'm up to that again and can give even more, but this does not mean I'm Batistuta and that I'll achieve what he did,” admitted Simeone to local newspaper La Nazione. “There are important people in football who talk about me and this excites me, but two years ago I was in Argentina and during the period since I have changed a lot.”
The youngster fired in versus many of Italy’s biggest sides in 2017/18, including strikes versus AC Milan and Roma, and an incredible hat-trick in a 3-0 win versus title-chasing Napoli. "Being able to score goals at all the big teams was not among my aims and but achieving this in such a short time gives me satisfaction because I know I can give more,” continued the Argentine in the same interview. “During my two years in Italy I have grown through experiencing the game. I’m not looking at the finish line as I always want to improve.”
So many players could become distracted by the attention that comes from having such a famous father, however this fact simply makes Giovanni Simeone even more determined to work hard. Those who follow Serie A could well see this pay off in 2018/19, as the striker will undoubtedly be out to beat last year’s marker of 14 goals.
