Giovanni Simeone

{{Family name hatnote|Simeone|Baldini|lang=Spanish}}{{Infobox football biography

| name = Giovanni Simeone

| image =Giovanni Simeone 2016-17.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Simeone with Genoa in 2017

| full_name = Giovanni Pablo Simeone Baldini

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1995|7|5|df=y}}

| birth_place = Buenos Aires, Argentina{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLTOCUDqszM&t=1m58s | title=Approfondimento su Simeone - Magazine - Serie a TIM 2016/17 | website=YouTube | date=4 November 2016 }}[http://www.elmundo.es/loc/2016/05/28/57486392468aeb08578b4615.html La vida de Simeone: "70% fútbol, 30% familia"], diario El Mundo, 19 de octubre de 2006.

| height = 1.81 m{{Cite web|url=https://www.cagliaricalcio.com/team/prima-squadra/152/giovanni-simeone|title=Giovanni Simeone #9 - Cagliari Calcio|access-date=14 July 2020|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107164545/https://www.cagliaricalcio.com/team/prima-squadra/152/giovanni-simeone|url-status=dead}}

| position = Striker

| currentclub = Napoli

| clubnumber = 18

| youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2008

| youthclubs1 = Rayo Majadahonda

| youthyears2 = 2008–2013

| youthclubs2 = River Plate

| years1 = 2013–2016

| clubs1 = River Plate

| caps1 = 27

| goals1 = 2

| years2 = 2015–2016

| clubs2 = → Banfield (loan)

| caps2 = 34

| goals2 = 12

| years3 = 2016–2017

| clubs3 = Genoa

| caps3 = 35

| goals3 = 12

| years4 = 2017–2020

| clubs4 = Fiorentina

| caps4 = 74

| goals4 = 20

| years5 = 2019–2020

| clubs5 = → Cagliari (loan)

| caps5 = 37

| goals5 = 12

| years6 = 2020–2022

| clubs6 = Cagliari

| caps6 = 34

| goals6 = 6

| years7 = 2021–2022

| clubs7 = → Hellas Verona (loan)

| caps7 = 35

| goals7 = 17

| years8 = 2022–2023

| clubs8 = Hellas Verona

| caps8 = 0

| goals8 = 0

| years9 = 2022–2023

| clubs9 = → Napoli (loan)

| caps9 = 25

| goals9 = 4

| years10 = 2023–

| clubs10 = Napoli

| caps10 = 54

| goals10 = 2

| nationalyears1 = 2015

| nationalteam1 = Argentina U20

| nationalcaps1 = 12

| nationalgoals1 = 10

| nationalyears2 = 2016

| nationalteam2 = Argentina U23

| nationalcaps2 = 3

| nationalgoals2 = 0

| nationalyears3 = 2018–

| nationalteam3 = Argentina

| nationalcaps3 = 6

| nationalgoals3 = 1

| medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}}

{{MedalCountry|{{fb|ARG}}}}

| club-update = 23:17, 19 April 2025 (UTC)

| nationalteam-update = 19 June 2023

}}

Giovanni Pablo Simeone Baldini ({{IPA|es|ɟʝoˈβani simeˈone}}; born 5 July 1995) also known as Gio Simeone, or “El Cholito”, is an Argentine professional footballer who plays as a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Argentina national team.

Early life

The son of former Argentine international footballer Diego Simeone and Carolina Baldini, Giovanni Simeone was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina,{{Cite web |title=Atlético de Madrid - Últimas noticias, rumores y fichajes - ABC.es |url=https://www.abc.es/deportes/atletico-madrid/ |access-date=2022-12-15 |website=Diario ABC}}[http://www.hola.com/actualidad/2016093088722/cholo-simeone-hijos/ Tres futbolistas y un biberón... ¿Conoces a los hijos de Simeone?], revista ¡Hola!, 30 de septiembre de 2016. while his father was playing for Atlético Madrid.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/es-ar/news/4493/curiosidades/2014/05/15/4820616/celeste-godoy-la-musa-de-giovanni-simeone |title=Celeste Godoy, la musa de Giovanni Simeone |trans-title=Celeste Godoy, the muse of Giovanni Simeone |language=es |website=Goal.com |date=15 May 2014 |access-date=16 October 2014 |archive-date=15 August 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120815111412/http://www.goal.com/es-ar/news/4493/curiosidades/2014/05/15/4820616/celeste-godoy-la-musa-de-giovanni-simeone}}

His family moved to Italy in 1997, but later returned to Spain in 2003 following his father's career club changes.{{cite web|author=Casella|first=Alberto|date=28 September 2016|title="Sono Gio e non mi manda papà". Simeone jr: tecnica, gol e tanta "garra"|url=http://www.foxsports.it/2016/09/28/sono-gio-non-mi-manda-papa-simeone-jr-tecnica-gol-tanta-garra/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160930081902/http://www.foxsports.it/2016/09/28/sono-gio-non-mi-manda-papa-simeone-jr-tecnica-gol-tanta-garra/|archive-date=30 September 2016|access-date=15 February 2017|work=Fox Sports|language=it}} Two years later he moved to Argentina, and joined River Plate's youth setup in 2008 when his father was appointed coach of the first team.{{cite web|date=4 January 2017|title=In rampa di lancio: attaccanti|url=http://it.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2434351.html?rss=2434351+In+rampa+di+lancio:+attaccanti|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170217141446/http://it.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=2434351.html?rss=2434351+In+rampa+di+lancio:+attaccanti|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 February 2017|access-date=16 February 2017|publisher=UEFA|language=it}} He has two younger brothers, Gianluca and Giuliano, both footballers.{{Cite web|title=Chi è Giuliano Simeone, il figlio del 'Cholo' all'esordio con l'Atletico Madrid {{!}} Goal.com|url=https://www.goal.com/it/notizie/chi-e-giuliano-simeone-figlio-cholo-atletico-madrid/169h85yjd00p411h49bozmmvg2|access-date=8 November 2021|website=www.goal.com}}

Club career

=River Plate=

After progressing through the youth ranks, Simeone signed a three-year professional deal with the club in November 2011.{{cite web |url=http://www.lancenet.com.br/minuto/Filho-Simeone-contrato-River-Plate_0_584341647.html |title=Filho de Simeone assina contrato com o River Plate |trans-title=Simeone's son signs contract with River Plate |publisher=Diário Lance! |language=pt |access-date=17 October 2014 |date=3 November 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017144706/http://www.lancenet.com.br/minuto/Filho-Simeone-contrato-River-Plate_0_584341647.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=17 October 2014}} In July 2013, he was called up by the main squad for the pre-season;{{cite news |url=http://www.riverplate.com/Noticias/futbol-profesional/Torneos-Locales/Torneo-Inicial-2013/17960-simeone-kaprof-diaz-rodriguez-cortes-de-pelo-de-bienvenida-.html |title=El "bautismo" para los pibes |trans-title=The "baptism" for the kids |publisher=La Página Millonaria |language=es |date=16 July 2013 |access-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719042751/http://www.riverplate.com/Noticias/futbol-profesional/Torneos-Locales/Torneo-Inicial-2013/17960-simeone-kaprof-diaz-rodriguez-cortes-de-pelo-de-bienvenida-.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 July 2013}} Simeone made his league debut on 4 August 2013, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–0 away defeat against Gimnasia La Plata.{{cite news|url=http://www.espndeportes.com/futbol/cronica/_/id/373222 |title=Gimnasia derrotó por 1–0 a River, en el Bosque |trans-title=AC Milan defeated Juventus by 7–0 in Bosque |publisher=ESPN Deportes |language=es |date=4 August 2013 |access-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017153032/http://www.espndeportes.com/futbol/cronica/_/id/373222 |url-status=live |archive-date=17 October 2014}} Later that month he renewed his contract, signing until 2016.{{cite news|url=http://www.infobae.com/2013/08/27/1504694-giovanni-simeone-firmo-y-renovo-contrato-river-tres-anos |title=Giovanni Simeone firmó y renovó contrato en River por tres años |trans-title=Giovanni Simeone signed and renewed contract with River for three years |language=es |publisher=Infobae |date=27 August 2013 |access-date=17 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131218230108/http://www.infobae.com/2013/08/27/1504694-giovanni-simeone-firmo-y-renovo-contrato-river-tres-anos |url-status=live |archive-date=18 December 2013}} Simeone scored his first professional goal on 8 September, netting the second of a 3–0 home win against Tigre.{{cite news|language=es |date=8 September 2013 |access-date=17 October 2014 |url=http://www.espndeportes.com/futbol/cronica/_/id/373269 |title=River se despertó en el 2º tiempo y venció a Tigre |trans-title=River woke up in the 2nd half and defeated Tigre |publisher=ESPN Deportes |archive-date=17 October 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017213813/http://www.espndeportes.com/futbol/cronica/_/id/373269}}

==Loan to Banfield==

On 6 July 2015, Simeone joined fellow Argentine Primera División side Banfield on a season-long loan deal.{{cite news|url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Transfert-giovanni-simeone-river-plate-prete-a-banfield/572255|title=Transfert : Giovanni Simeone (River Plate) prêté à Banfield|trans-title=Transfer: Giovanni Simeone (River Plate) was loaned to Banfield|language=fr|newspaper=L'Equipe|date=6 July 2015|access-date=27 August 2016}} On 12 July 2015, he scored the match-winning goal on his debut in a 1–0 victory against Quilmes.{{cite web|url=http://www.afa.org.ar/636/banfield-festejo-por-giovanni-simeone|title=Banfield festejó por Giovanni Simeone|trans-title=Banfield celebrated by Giovanni Simeone|publisher=Argentine Football Association|date=12 July 2015|access-date=25 August 2016}}

=Genoa=

On 18 August 2016, Simeone signed for Italian club Genoa for €3 million.{{cite web| url = http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/11/28/29962552/like-father-like-son-giovanni-simeone-shoots-down-juventus| title = Like father, like son: Giovanni Simeone shoots down Juventus 16 years after dad Diego {{!}} Goal.com}}{{cite web|url=http://genoacfc.it/notizie/simeone-ufficiale-venerdi-conferenza/|title=Simeone ufficiale, venerdi' conferenza|trans-title=Simeone official conference on Friday|language=it|publisher=Genoa CFC|date=18 August 2016|access-date=18 August 2016|archive-date=21 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160821181152/http://genoacfc.it/notizie/simeone-ufficiale-venerdi-conferenza/|url-status=dead}} He scored his first goal, on his first start for the club, in a 1–1 draw with Pescara on 25 September 2016.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37468150|title=Genoa 1-1 Pescara|publisher=BBC|work=BBC Sport|date=25 September 2016}} On 27 November, Simeone netted a brace in Genoa 3–1 win over Serie A leaders Juventus.{{cite news|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-idUKKBN13M0QS|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128195705/http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-italy-idUKKBN13M0QS|url-status=dead|archive-date=28 November 2016|title=Serie A leaders Juventus blown away by Genoa in half an hour|website=Reuters|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}}

=Fiorentina=

Among speculation of Atlético Madrid's interest in signing the young player to be coached by his father Diego Simeone, Giovanni signed with Serie A club Fiorentina on 16 August 2017, for an undisclosed fee. On 29 April 2018, Simeone scored his first hat-trick in Fiorentina's 3–0 league win against Napoli, effectively ending his future club's title hopes.{{cite news|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Fiorentina/29-04-2018/fiorentina-napoli-3-0-simeone-tripletta-juve-4-260927996357.shtml|title=Fiorentina-Napoli 3-0. Simeone tripletta, la Juve a +4|publisher=La Gazzetta dello Sport|language=it|date=29 April 2018|access-date=29 April 2018}}

=Cagliari=

On 30 August 2019, Simeone joined Cagliari on a year-long loan deal from Fiorentina, including an obligatory purchase clause at the end of the period.{{cite news|date=30 August 2019|title=Simeone è del Cagliari!|language=it|publisher=Cagliari|url=https://www.cagliaricalcio.com/news/ultimissime/18977/simeone-e-del-cagliari-fiorentina-acquisto-prestito|access-date=30 August 2019|archive-date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830192805/https://www.cagliaricalcio.com/news/ultimissime/18977/simeone-e-del-cagliari-fiorentina-acquisto-prestito|url-status=dead}} On 1 September, he made his debut in a 2–1 defeat against Inter Milan.{{Cite web|date=1 September 2019|title=Le pagelle di Cagliari-Inter 1-2: Sensi incanta, Lukaku prezioso|url=https://www.eurosport.it/calcio/serie-a/2019-2020/le-pagelle-di-cagliari-inter-1-2-sensi-incanta-lukaku-prezioso_sto7437646/story.shtml|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Eurosport|language=it}} Simeone's first goal came on 15 September, in a 3–1 win against Parma.{{Cite web|date=15 September 2019|title=Parma-Cagliari 1-3, Ceppitelli e Simeone sbloccano i sardi|url=https://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/serie-a/2019/09/15/news/parma-cagliari_1-3_ceppitelli_e_simeone_sbloccano_i_sardi-236089879/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=la Repubblica|language=it}} After an inconsistent first part of the season,{{Cite web|title=Fantacalcio, il calo senza fine di Simeone: 1 gol e 7 insufficienze nelle ultime otto|url=https://www.fantacalcio.it/news/fantacalcio/14_01_2020/fantacalcio-il-calo-senza-fine-di-simeone-1-gol-e-7-insufficienze-nelle-ultime-otto-378795|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Fantacalcio.it - Solo il meglio del calcio|language=it-it}}{{Cite web|last=Culurgioni|first=Matteo|date=2 July 2020|title=La metamorfosi di Simeone sta in poche parole|url=https://www.cagliarinews24.com/simeone-cagliari-gol-campionato/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Cagliari News 24|language=it-IT}} he scored in four consecutive games upon returning from the COVID-19 lockdown; he finished the seasons with 12 goals overall.{{Cite web|title=Fantacalcio, Simeone segna in 4 gare di fila in Serie A: non era mai successo|url=https://www.fantacalcio.it/news/fantacalcio/02_07_2020/fantacalcio-simeone-cagliari-numeri-4-gare-388261|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Fantacalcio.it - Solo il meglio del calcio|language=it-it}}

In the following season, Simeone scored a brace in a 3–2 win against Torino;{{Cite web|title=Cagliari, che Simeone: 4 gol in 5 giornate, come l'Atletico di papà|url=https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Serie-A/Cagliari/25-10-2020/cagliari-simeone-come-atletico-papa-390299377180.shtml|access-date=8 November 2021|website=La Gazzetta dello Sport|date=26 October 2020 |language=it-IT}} he ended the 2020–21 season with six goals scored.{{Cite web|date=13 May 2021|title=Cagliari, panchine e spezzoni: c'è ancora posto per Simeone?|url=https://www.centotrentuno.com/focus/cagliari-panchine-e-spezzoni-ce-ancora-posto-per-simeone/|access-date=8 November 2021|website=Centotrentuno|language=it-IT}}

=Hellas Verona=

On 26 August 2021, Simeone joined Serie A side Hellas Verona on a season-long loan deal with an option to make the deal permanent.{{cite web|url=https://www.hellasverona.it/it/news/benvenuto-in-gialloblu-cholito|title=Benvenuto in gialloblù, Cholito!|publisher=Hellas Verona FC|date=26 August 2021|access-date=26 August 2021|language=Italian|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206162930/https://www.hellasverona.it/it/news/benvenuto-in-gialloblu-cholito|url-status=dead}} On 24 October, he scored all four goals in a 4–1 win over Lazio. It was his second hat-trick in Serie A, and both came against sides managed by Maurizio Sarri.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/giovanni-simeone-has-career-day-for-hellas-verona-scores-four-goals-to-sink-lazio-in-serie-a/|title=Giovanni Simeone has career day for Hellas Verona, scores four goals to sink Lazio in Serie A|website=CBS Sports|date=24 October 2021|access-date=24 October 2021}} On 30 October, Simeone netted two goals against Juventus, for the second time in his career, as Verona won 2–1.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59105680|title=Juventus dropped to ninth in Serie A as Verona condemned Massimiliano Allegri's side to a fourth league defeat of the season.|website=BBC|date=30 October 2021|access-date=31 October 2021}}

On 17 June 2022, he joined Hellas Verona on a permanent deal with a contract lasting until 2026.{{Cite web|title=Giovanni Simeone è ufficialmente gialloblù|language=it|publisher=Hellas Verona|url=https://hellasverona.it/it/news/giovanni-simeone-e-ufficialmente-gialloblu|access-date=17 June 2022|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206163129/https://hellasverona.it/it/news/giovanni-simeone-e-ufficialmente-gialloblu|url-status=dead}}

=Napoli=

On 18 August 2022, Simeone's signing with Napoli was officially announced on a loan with an option to buy, which became obligatory upon meeting certain sporting conditions.{{cite web|last1=Ruz|first1=Pascual|title=Serie A Giovanni Simeone signs for Napoli|url=https://ar.marca.com/claro/futbol-internacional/serie-a/2022/08/18/62fe155e46163f57728b45ac.html|website=Marca|date=18 August 2022|access-date=18 October 2022|archive-date=18 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018161709/https://ar.marca.com/claro/futbol-internacional/serie-a/2022/08/18/62fe155e46163f57728b45ac.html|url-status=dead}} He made his debut for the club on 28 August against Fiorentina, his former team, replacing Victor Osimhen in the final 15 minutes of the match, which ended in a 0–0 draw.{{cite web|last1=Calemme|first1=Mirko|title=Fiorentina holds Napoli, Spalletti is upset with the fans|url=https://as.com/futbol/internacional/fiorentina-napoles-en-directo-n/|website=AS|date=30 August 2022|access-date=18 October 2022}}

On 7 September, Simeone made his UEFA Champions League debut, once again replacing Osimhen, and scored his first goal both in the competition and for his new club, contributing to Napoli's 4–1 win over Liverpool.{{cite web|last1=Marín|first1=Marc|title=Napoli crushes the European runner-up|url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/champions/napoles-aplasta-subcampeon-europa-75159791|website=sport.es|date=7 September 2022 |access-date=18 October 2022}} On 18 September, he scored his first league goal for Napoli, getting the winner in his side's 2–1 victory against AC Milan at the San Siro.{{cite web|last1=Arreaza|first1=Pilar L.|title=Napoli conquers San Siro with Simeone's goal and takes the lead|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/liga-italiana/cronica/2022/09/18/6327836bca4741af028b4584.html|website=marca.com|date=18 September 2022|accessdate=18 October 2022}} Simeone then recorded his first brace for the club on 26 October, in a 3–0 Champions League home win against Rangers,{{cite web|title=Napoli defeats Rangers and maintains a perfect Champions League record|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/champions-league/cronica/2022/10/26/6359a1ad46163ffcbc8b45d7.html|website=marca.com|date=26 October 2022|accessdate=26 July 2023}} thereby becoming the second Argentine player after his father to score four goals in his first four matches in Europe's top competition.{{cite web|last1=Opta|first1=Paolo|title=Opta: Cholo and Cholito, a family record|url=https://www.ilnapolista.it/2022/10/opta-cholo-e-cholito-un-record-di-famiglia/|website=Il Napolista|language=it|date=26 October 2022|access-date=26 July 2023}}

On 17 January 2023, in his Coppa Italia debut with the club, Simeone scored Napoli's second goal in their home match against Cremonese, although his side would still be eliminated following a defeat on penalties, with the match having ended 2–2 after extra time.{{cite web|title=Napoli - Coppa Italia: Results and summaries|url=https://www.eurosport.es/futbol/coppa-italia/2022-2023/live-napoles-cremonese_mtc1387086/live.shtml|website=Eurosport|date=17 January 2023|access-date=26 July 2023}} Simeone went on to score the decisive goal in the dying minutes of Napoli's 2–1 home win against Roma on 29 January.{{cite web|title=Gio Simeone gives Napoli the late win against Roma and boosts Scudetto hopes|url=https://espndeportes.espn.com/futbol/reporte/_/juegoId/644815|website=ESPN|date=29 January 2023|accessdate=26 July 2023}} On 4 May, Napoli would secure their first league title in 34 years following a 1–1 draw against Udinese, which was also the first league title Simeone won in his professional career.{{cite web|last1=Calemme|first1=Mirko|title=Napoli are champions!|url=https://as.com/futbol/internacional/el-napoles-es-campeon-n/|website=AS|date=4 May 2023|access-date=26 July 2023}}

On 15 June 2023, Simeone signed a permanent contract with Napoli, valid until 2026, with an option to extend until 2027.{{cite web|title=Gio Simeone signs a permanent three-year contract with Napoli|url=https://www.la-razon.com/marcas/2023/06/15/gio-simeone-firma-contrato-permanente-por-tres-anos-con-el-napoles/|website=la-razon.com|date=15 June 2023|accessdate=26 July 2023}}{{Cite web|title=IL NAPOLI UFFICIALIZZA L'ACQUISTO DI GIOVANNI SIMEONE|date=18 August 2022 |language=it|publisher=SSC Napoli|url=https://sscnapoli.it/il-napoli-ufficializza-lacquisto-di-giovanni-simeone/|access-date=18 August 2022}}{{cite web |url=https://talksport.com/football/1189705/giovanni-simeone-liverpool-napoli-champions-league/ |title=SHOCK Diego Simeone's son Giovanni bursts into tears and kisses Champions League tattoo after scoring in debut as Napoli tear Liverpool apart |website=TalkSport |date=7 September 2022 }}{{Cite web|url=https://football-italia.net/serie-a-milan-1-2-napoli-simeone-seals-scudetto-showdown/|title=Serie A | Milan 1-2 Napoli: Simeone seals Scudetto showdown|website=Football Italia|date=18 September 2022 |access-date=26 June 2023}}

International career

= Under-20 team =

== U-20 South American Championship ==

Giovanni Simeone was initially a part of the Argentine Under-18 team. His outstanding performances earned him a call up in the U-20 team when he was just 17 years old. In March 2014, Simeone was called up by manager Alejandro Sabella to train with the senior Argentina national football team as a 'sparring' partner.{{cite web |title=Four Youngsters from River Plate as Sparring Partners in the World Cup |url=http://www.riverplate.com/Noticias/Selecciones/21715-cuatro-pibes-de-river-sparrings-en-el-mundial.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140425040403/http://www.riverplate.com/Noticias/Selecciones/21715-cuatro-pibes-de-river-sparrings-en-el-mundial.html |archive-date=April 25, 2014 |accessdate=April 24, 2014 |publisher=riverplate.com}}

On 6 January 2015 the technical director of the Argentine U-20 football team, Humberto Grondona, released a list of 32 players for pre-tournament training. Giovanni "Gio" Simeone was among those called up for the upcoming U-20 South American Championship, which was scheduled to be held in Uruguay.{{cite web |title=U-20 Team Announces Preliminary Squad for South American Championship in Uruguay |date=11 December 2014 |url=http://www.tycsports.com/noticias/La-Sub-20-tiene-su-preseleccion-para-el-Sudamericano-de-Uruguay-20141211-0026.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141213012306/http://www.tycsports.com/noticias/La-Sub-20-tiene-su-preseleccion-para-el-Sudamericano-de-Uruguay-20141211-0026.html |archive-date=December 13, 2014 |accessdate=December 11, 2014 |publisher=tycsports.com}} On 10 January, just days before the championship was set to begin, Grondona finalized the list of 23 players, which included Simeone. Out of the seven River Plate players initially listed, six made it to the final squad traveling to Uruguay.{{cite web |title=Humberto Grondona Announces Final List of 23 Players for the U-20 South American Championship |url=http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22608:humberto-grondona-dio-la-lista-de-23-convocados-para-el-sudamericano&catid=166&Itemid=583&lang=es |accessdate=January 10, 2015 |publisher=afa.org}}

On 14 January the Argentine U-20 national team made their debut in the U-20 South American Championship against the Ecuador U-20 team. It was a resounding 5–2 victory, with Gio Simeone emerging as the top scorer of the match. He scored his first goal early in the game following a play by Ángel Correa. His second goal came after another assist from Correa, and Simeone simply had to tap it in.{{cite web |title=The U-20 team had a goal-filled debut |date=14 January 2015 |url=http://www.clarin.com/deportes/futbol/Sub-Argentina-debuta-Ecuador_0_1285071638.html |accessdate=January 14, 2015 |publisher=clarin.com}}{{cite web |title=Sharp Cholito |url=http://www.ole.com.ar/seleccion/Cholito-afilado_0_1285071844.html |accessdate=January 14, 2015 |publisher=ole.com |archive-date=23 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623032759/https://www.ole.com.ar/seleccion/Cholito-afilado_0_1285071844.html |url-status=dead }}

On 16 January, in the second match of the tournament, the Argentine U-20 team suffered a setback with a 0–1 loss to the Paraguay U-20 team, who temporarily took the lead in the group.{{cite web |title=This time things didn't go Argentina's way |url=http://www.diariojornada.com.ar/116495/deportes/Esta_vez_las_cosas_no_le_salieron_a_Argentina_ |accessdate=January 16, 2015 |publisher=diariojornada.com}}

On 18 January, following the previous defeat, the Argentine U-20 team bounced back with a convincing 6–2 win against the Peru U-20 team. Simeone was again the standout player, scoring twice. His first goal came from an assist by Sebastián Driussi, while his second came from a header after a cross by Leonardo Suárez.{{cite web |title=Argentina bounced back with another rout: 6-2 win over Peru |url=http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1761029-argentina-sub-20-peru-sudamericano-2015 |accessdate=January 18, 2015 |publisher=canchallena.lanacion.com |archive-date=3 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150803155256/http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1761029-argentina-sub-20-peru-sudamericano-2015 |url-status=dead }}

On 22 January, in the last match of the Group A stage of the U-20 South American Championship, the Argentine U-20 team played against the Bolivia U-20 team, securing a 3–0 victory. Once again, Gio Simeone was the top scorer, netting two goals, both of which came from assists by Leonardo Suárez.{{cite web |title=Giovanni Simeone's Goals in Argentina's 2-0 win over Bolivia |url=http://www.extremista.com.ar/457688/goles-de-giovanni-simeone-en-argentina-2-0-bolivia/ |accessdate=January 22, 2015 |publisher=extremista.com}}{{cite web |title='El Cholito' Simeone sets the course for the Hexagonal |url=http://www.marca.com/2015/01/23/futbol/futbol_internacional/argentina/1421971250.html |accessdate=January 22, 2015 |publisher=marca.com}}

On 7 February 2015 the Argentine U-20 team won the U-20 South American Championship. Gio Simeone played a pivotal role in the team's success and finished as the tournament's top scorer with 9 goals.

== U-20 World Cup ==

On 6 March 2015 the coach of the U-20 national team, Humberto Grondona, included him in the preliminary squad for the U-20 World Cup to be held in New Zealand. Training and friendly matches would start at the end of March and continue throughout April until the final list of players traveling to the World Cup was announced in early May.{{cite web |date=March 10, 2015 |title=New Zealand, a New Dream |url=http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=23275:nueva-zelanda-una-nueva-ilusion&catid=166&Itemid=583&lang=es |publisher=www.afa.org.ar}} On 13 May 2015 Humberto Grondona confirmed the list of 21 players who would represent the Argentine U-20 team in the World Cup in New Zealand, which included Giovanni Simeone. The team would travel on Monday 18 May to Tahiti, where they would play two friendly matches against the local team. They would arrive in Wellington on 25 May to make their debut on 30 May against Panama.{{cite web |date=May 13, 2015 |title=Grondona Has Defined the 21 World Cup Players |url=http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24168:grondona-ya-definio-a-los-21-mundialistas&catid=166:seleccion-sub-20&Itemid=583&lang=en |publisher=www.afa.org.ar}} On 21 May, in the first friendly match played before the New Zealand World Cup, the Argentine U-20 team lost in Tahiti 3–1 to the country's senior team in a match played at the Pater Te Hono Nui Stadium.{{cite web |date=May 21, 2015 |title=U-20 Team Loses to Tahiti in First Pre-World Cup Friendly |url=http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1794476-derrota-del-sub-20-en-su-primer-amistoso-pre-mundialista-ante-tahiti |publisher=canchallena.lanacion.com |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-date=24 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150524080502/http://canchallena.lanacion.com.ar/1794476-derrota-del-sub-20-en-su-primer-amistoso-pre-mundialista-ante-tahiti |url-status=dead }} On 24 May the team played their second friendly, and final one before traveling to New Zealand for the World Cup, against Tahiti. This time, the 'Albiceleste' won 4–1, with goals from Ángel Correa, Monteseirín, Simeone, and Emiliano Buendía, showing good ball control and attacking potency.{{cite web |title="We Showed Potency and Good Ball Control" |url=http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24324:tuvimos-contundencia-y-buena-tenencia-de-pelota&catid=166&Itemid=583&lang=es |publisher=www.afa.org.ar}}{{cite web |title=A Big Win to Head Into the World Cup with Full Force |url=http://www.afa.org.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24322:una-goleada-para-llegar-con-todo-al-mundial&catid=166&Itemid=583&lang=es |publisher=www.afa.org.ar}}

= Senior Team =

Simeone was called up to the senior national team for the first time for the FIFA double date in September 2018.{{Cite web |title=Scaloni Announces Argentina Squad Without Messi But With Gio Simeone |date=17 August 2018 |url=http://www.europapress.es/deportes/futbol-00162/noticia-scaloni-da-lista-argentina-messi-gio-simeone-20180817184023.html}}{{Cite web |title=Argentina vs. Mexico - 17 November 2018 - Soccerway |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2018/11/17/world/friendlies/argentina/mexico/2927963/}} On 8 September 2018 Simeone made his debut as a starter against Guatemala, where he also scored his first goal for the 'Albiceleste,' sealing a 3–0 win for the national team against the Central Americans.{{Cite web |title=Simeone |url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/2170201-lo-dejo-3-0-guatemala-charlas-gio-simeone |access-date=28 August 2023 |archive-date=13 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180913002408/https://www.lanacion.com.ar/2170201-lo-dejo-3-0-guatemala-charlas-gio-simeone |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |date=17 November 2018 |title=Argentina derrota a México y se queda con la Copa Adidas 2018 |url=https://www.everyfutbol.co/2018/11/argentina-derrota-a-mexico-y-se-queda-con-la-copa-adidas-2018.html/amp}} Against the second opponent, Colombia, Simeone was a substitute but came on in the 88th minute to replace Nicolás Tagliafico, where he had a tough clash with Colombian goalkeeper David Ospina. As part of a generational change, Simeone continued to be called up by interim coach Lionel Scaloni, becoming a regular player in the 'Albiceleste's' subsequent matches. The following month, Simeone was again included in the squad to play the October friendlies against Iraq and Brazil, coming on as a substitute in both matches, replacing Lautaro Martínez against Iraq and Mauro Icardi against Brazil. In November, Simeone was called up to play in the national team's final matches of 2018, facing Mexico in a friendly tournament held locally. Simeone provided an assist to Paulo Dybala in the second match against the 'Tricolor,' which allowed his team to seal a 2–0 victory for the 'Albiceleste.'{{cite web |date=8 September 2018 |title=Giovanni Simeone scores on Argentina debut against Guatemala |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12010/11493025/giovanni-simeone-scores-on-argentina-debut-against-guatemala |access-date=16 October 2018 |publisher=Sky Sports}}

In September 2020, he was once again called up by Lionel Scaloni for the World Cup qualifying double date against Ecuador and Bolivia.

{{cite news|date=1 January 2014|title=Simeone tiene pasaporte comunitario|language=es|trans-title=Simeone has the EU passport|publisher=La Página Millonaria|url=http://www.riverplate.com/Noticias/Mercado-de-Pases-/Mercado-de-pases-2014/20172-simeone-tiene-pasaporte-comunitario-.html|url-status=dead|access-date=17 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017213613/http://www.riverplate.com/Noticias/Mercado-de-Pases-/Mercado-de-pases-2014/20172-simeone-tiene-pasaporte-comunitario-.html|archive-date=17 October 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.conmebol.com/en/02082015-0108/giovanni-simeone-champion-and-top-scorer|title=Giovanni Simeone is champion and top scorer|publisher=CONMEBOL|date=8 February 2015|access-date=25 August 2016}}

Style of play

Simeone is an elegant yet powerful and opportunistic forward with an eye for goal,{{cite web|date=5 February 2017|title=Juric: 'Three points are key'|url=http://www.football-italia.net/97936/juric-three-points-are-key|access-date=15 February 2017|publisher=Football Italia}}{{cite web|first1=Blair|last1=Newman|first2=Luca|last2=Hodges-Ramon|first3=Richard|last3=Hall|first4=Franco|last4=Ficetola|first5=Mark|last5=Neale|first6=Emmet|last6=Gates|date=24 January 2017|title=The 50 best young footballers in Italy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/the-gentleman-ultra/2017/jan/24/50-best-young-footballers-italy-serie-a|access-date=15 February 2017|work=The Guardian}}{{cite web|date=19 May 2014|title=Simeone jr come il Cholo: che trionfo con il River|url=http://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/talent-scout/2014/05/19-520730/simeone_jr_come_il_cholo_che_trionfo_con_il_river/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170423003717/https://www.corrieredellosport.it/news/calcio/talent-scout/2014/05/19-520730/simeone_jr_come_il_cholo_che_trionfo_con_il_river|archive-date=23 April 2017|access-date=15 February 2017|publisher=Il Corriere dello Sport|language=it}}{{cite web|first1=Mario|last1=Cipriano|date=19 May 2015|title=Giovanni Simeone: l'erede del "Cholo" è pronto a decollare|url=https://www.tuttocalciatori.net/notizie/2015/05/giovanni-simeone-lerede-del-cholo-e-pronto-a-decollare/|access-date=16 October 2018|publisher=Tutto Calciatori|language=it}} who is capable of playing anywhere along the front line;{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} although he has been deployed as a second striker,{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} he has also been used in a central role as a main striker, and is a competent and efficient finisher with both feet,{{cite web|first=Tim|last=Vickery|date=6 February 2015|title=Are Gio Simeone's U-20 heroics a false dawn or is Diego's son the real deal?|url=http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2291202/are-giovanni-simeones-u-20-heroics-a-false-dawn-or-is-diegos-son-the-real-deal|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150217043052/http://www.espnfc.us/blog/espn-fc-united-blog/68/post/2291202/are-giovanni-simeones-u-20-heroics-a-false-dawn-or-is-diegos-son-the-real-deal|archive-date=17 February 2015|access-date=15 February 2017|publisher=ESPN FC}} despite being naturally right footed.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

A tenacious and energetic player,{{cite web|first=Adam|last=Digby|date=9 December 2016|title=Meet Giovanni Simeone: Genoa's Juventus-slaying striker who wants to join his dad at Atletico Madrid|url=http://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/meet-giovanni-simeone-genoas-juventus-slaying-striker-who-wants-join-his-dad-atletico|access-date=15 February 2017|publisher=FourFourTwo}} he is known for his work-rate and defensive contribution off the ball, and often drops into midfield in order to help his team win back possession.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}} He is also known for his speed and intelligent attacking movement, which enables him to create space and provide depth for his team.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Regarded as a promising young player, he also possesses good technical skills, as well as flair and finesse on the ball, and is capable of linking-up with his teammates and bringing other forwards into play.{{Citation needed|date=November 2021}}

Personal life

On 1 January 2014, aged 18, Simeone obtained Spanish citizenship. On 25 May 2022 he married the Italian model Giulia Coppini in the church of San Salvatore al Monte (Florence).{{Cite web |last=Nazione |first=La |date=2022-05-25 |title=Giovanni Simeone, matrimonio a Firenze con Giulia Coppini - Cronaca - lanazione.it |url=https://www.lanazione.it/firenze/cronaca/giovanni-simeone-1.7714405 |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=La Nazione |language=it}}

Career statistics

=Club=

Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition !rowspan="2"\|Club !rowspan="2"\|Season !colspan="3"\|League !colspan="2"\|National cup{{efn\|Includes Copa Argentina, Coppa Italia}} !colspan="2"\|Continental !colspan="2"\|Other !colspan="2"\|Total
rowspan="4"\|River Plate \|2013–14 \|Argentine Primera División \|17	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	19	2
2014 \|Argentine Primera División \|7	0	0	0	4{{efn\|Appearances in Copa Sudamericana}}	2	0	0	11	2
2015 \|Argentine Primera División \|3	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	3	0
colspan="2"\|Total !27	2	2	0	4	2	0	0	33	4
rowspan="3"\|Banfield (loan) \|2015 \|Argentine Primera División \|18	7	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	0	0	19	7
2016 \|Argentine Primera División \|16	5	1	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	17	5
colspan="2"\|Total !34	12	2	0	0	0	0	0	36	12
rowspan="3"\|Genoa \|2016–17 \|Serie A \|35	12	1	1	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	36	13
2017–18 \|Serie A \|0	0	1	1	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	1	1
colspan="2"\|Total !35	12	2	2	0	0	0	0	37	14
rowspan="3"\|Fiorentina \|2017–18 \|Serie A \|38	14	2	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	40	14
2018–19 \|Serie A \|36	6	4	2	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	40	8
colspan="2"\|Total !74	20	6	2	0	0	0	0	80	22
Cagliari (loan) \|2019–20 \|Serie A \|37	12	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	37	12
rowspan="3"\|Cagliari \|2020–21 \|Serie A \|33	6	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	33	6
2021–22 \|Serie A \|1	0	1	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	2	0
colspan="2"\|Total !71	18	1	0	0	0	0	0	72	18
Hellas Verona (loan) \|2021–22 \|Serie A \|35	17	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	35	17
rowspan="2"\|Hellas Verona \|2022–23 \|Serie A \|0	0	0	0	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	0	0
colspan="2"\|Total !35	17	0	0	0	0	0	0	35	17
Napoli (loan) \|2022–23 \|Serie A \|25	4	1	1	7{{efn\|name=UCL\|Appearances in UEFA Champions League}}	4	colspan="2"\|—	33	9
rowspan="3"\|Napoli \|2023–24 \|Serie A \|28	1	1	0	6{{efn\|name=UCL}}	1	2{{efn\|Appearances in Supercoppa Italiana}}	1	37	3
2024–25 \|Serie A \|26	1	3	1	colspan="2"\|—	colspan="2"\|—	29	2
colspan="2"\|Total !79	6	5	2	13	5	2	1	99	14
colspan="3"\|Career total !354	87	18	6	17	7	2	1	391	101

=International=

National team	Year	Apps
class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" \|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year
rowspan="2"\|Argentina \|2018	5	1
2023	1	0
colspan="2"\|Total	6	1

:Scores and results list Argentina's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Simeone goal.{{NFT|id=71800|name=Giovanni Simeone|citation=yes}}

class="wikitable sortable"

|+List of international goals scored by Giovanni Simeone

! scope="col" |No.

! scope="col" |Date

! scope="col" |Venue

! scope="col" |Opponent

! scope="col" |Score

! scope="col" |Result

! scope="col" |Competition

! class="unsortable" scope="col" |{{Abbr|Ref.|References}}

align="center" |1

|7 September 2018

|Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles, United States

|{{fb|GUA}}

| align="center" |3–0

|Friendly

|{{Cite web|date=24 October 2021|title=Lebanon finish in style|url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_womens_asian_cup/news/report_guam_v_lebanon.html|access-date=24 October 2021|website=the-afc.com}}

Honours

River Plate

Napoli

Serie A: 2022–23{{cite web |date=4 May 2023 |title=Napoli win Serie A for first time in 33 years |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65488842 |access-date=4 May 2023 |website=BBC Sport}}

Argentina U20

South American Youth Football Championship: 2015

Individual

South American Youth Football Championship Top Goalscorer: 2015
Serie A Player of the Month: October 2021{{cite news |url=https://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/giovanni-simeone-ea-sports-player-of-the-month-for-october-1 |publisher=Serie A |access-date=9 November 2021 |date=9 November 2021 |title=Giovanni Simeone EA Sports Player of the Month for October |archive-date=16 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316143432/https://www.legaseriea.it/en/press/news/info/giovanni-simeone-ea-sports-player-of-the-month-for-october-1 |url-status=dead }}