In the vibrant world of Italian football, few names resonate as strongly as Diletta Leotta. As the face of DAZN, she`s not just a presenter; she`s a phenomenon, a “Queen of Hearts,” as she playfully describes herself, narrating the beautiful game with an infectious passion. With the launch of her new Sunday program, “Fuoriclasse – powered by Haier Tv,” Leotta offers a rare glimpse into her multifaceted life, revealing the professional drive, personal dreams, and sharp analytical mind that define her.
The Crown of the “Queen of Hearts”: Leading DAZN`s New Era
Leotta is poised to elevate the Serie A viewing experience with “Fuoriclasse.” This new show, kicking off live from the Inter-Sassuolo pre-game, promises a blend of tactical analysis, real-time commentary, and pure entertainment. Flanked by football legends like Bobo Vieri and Massimo Ambrosini, with insights from Davide Bernardi and Andrea Stramaccioni, the program aims to engage fans of all ages, even allowing real-time interaction through DAZN`s Fan Zone. “The average viewership on DAZN has been the highest in recent seasons, and we are super charged,” she notes, reflecting the excitement for the innovative format.
Her journey to this pinnacle wasn`t a given. “Honestly, no,” she admits when asked if she envisioned such success a decade ago. “The goal was to host a program like I will from tomorrow and also have a family, but they were two dreams. Life always surprises you if you believe and never give up.” This philosophy underscores her approach, emphasizing professionalism and dedication over mere image. A law graduate, Leotta transitioned her academic rigor to football, filling her home with books on the sport. “Image is important, but preparation and the ability to tell stories are more so,” she asserts, highlighting her commitment to understanding the game in depth.
In an industry often dominated by men, Leotta recognizes DAZN`s commitment to empowering women. “DAZN has always valued the female role, both in front of and behind the cameras,” she states, advocating for mutual support among women in sports. She relishes constructive feedback, particularly from colleagues like Vieri, who enjoys discussing football with her, and Stramaccioni, who appreciates their collaborative approach to Serie A coverage.
Diletta Leotta, a prominent figure in Italian sports broadcasting, in the DAZN studio.
Beyond the Pitch: Karius, Aria, and the Serie A Longing
While football defines her professional world, Leotta`s personal life revolves around her family: her husband, German goalkeeper Loris Karius, currently with Schalke 04, and their daughter, Aria. Despite their shared profession, football isn`t the sole topic of conversation. “We haven`t signed a `pre-nuptial contract` (she laughs),” she quips, “We talk about Aria, our passions, friends, and travel.” Yet, the distance imposed by Karius playing abroad presents its challenges. “Difficult, no. It`s demanding because there is distance, and sometimes it takes patience. Love unites us,” she reflects.
The original article`s headline hints at a specific, heartfelt desire: “I dream of my husband Karius in Serie A.” Leotta doesn`t shy away from this aspiration. “It would be beautiful to see a goalkeeper starting with K in Italy,” she says, a thinly veiled reference to Karius. This personal touch adds a relatable layer to her otherwise public persona, showing a yearning for family proximity intertwined with professional ambitions.
Balancing motherhood, marriage to an international athlete, a demanding broadcasting career, and a radio show is no small feat. “I don`t even know how I manage it, but somehow I do,” she admits. “Aria is the priority; everything else revolves around her.” Her dream of taking Aria to the stadium has already been realized, with a visit to Gelsenkirchen to watch Karius play for Schalke – a moment Aria “enjoyed very much.” Leotta, coming from a large family, also hints at expanding her own: “Why not?” she muses about potentially having more children.
Diletta Leotta with her husband, Loris Karius.
The Analyst`s Eye: Unpacking Serie A`s Early Drama
Beyond personal dreams, Leotta offers incisive analysis of the current Serie A season. She confidently names Napoli as her favorite for the Scudetto, crediting their strong start and significant signings like Kevin De Bruyne and Rasmus Højlund. “De Bruyne is a fantastic player, a leader on and off the field who I believe will give Conte`s Napoli a lot,” she praises.
Juventus, under Igor Tudor, has also caught her eye, starting with an impressive nine points from three games and a victory over Inter. “This Juventus is different from last season; even more aware and hungry,” she observes, calling Tudor the team`s “added value.” She’s impressed by their international-level attack (David, Vlahovic, Openda) and the promise of young talents like Yildiz and Adzic. “The future of Juventus is young,” she declares, seeing clear quality and serious intent in the youngsters.
Inter, despite a “slow start,” remains a competitive force in her view, while AC Milan, free from European commitments, has a clear advantage in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. She expresses curiosity about the new projects at Milan and Roma, led by “masters” Gasperini and Sarri, respectively. The “glamour football” of Como, under Cesc Fàbregas, is also on her radar as a potential revelation. And Jamie Vardy`s arrival at Cremonese at 38? A “rock fairytale,” she calls it, celebrating his personality and dynamism that Serie A had been missing.
Regarding individual performances, Leotta sees Marcus Thuram and Dusan Vlahović as strong contenders for the top scorer title, with an eye on Moise Kean. Nico Paz is her pick for the young revelation of the season, an “incredible talent.” Even the national team receives her backing, with Gennaro Gattuso hailed as the ideal figure to bring the energy needed for World Cup qualification.
Diletta Leotta in the new DAZN studio, ready for her upcoming program.
A Future Unscripted: From Cinema to Club Presidency
Leotta`s ambitions extend far beyond the football pitch. She admits a fascination with cinema, having made cameos and lent her voice to animated films. Music, too, plays a part, albeit in a more humorous vein. “Under the shower I feel like Beyoncé (she laughs),” she confesses, acknowledging that singing isn`t her forte, despite her decade-long career on Radio 105.
A return to the iconic Sanremo Festival, which she co-hosted in 2020, is also on her wish list. “I would say yes, without thinking twice,” she states, eager to present herself differently this time. Perhaps the most audacious of her aspirations, however, is the dream of becoming the president of a football team. This reveals a profound connection to the sport that transcends mere reporting, hinting at a desire for deeper involvement and influence.
Diletta Leotta is more than just a captivating presence on screen; she is a driven professional, a devoted family woman, and an insightful analyst. Her new show marks another chapter in a career defined by passion and an unwavering pursuit of excellence. As she navigates the complexities of her public and private worlds, she continues to inspire, proving that with belief and perseverance, even the grandest dreams—like seeing your husband play in Serie A or leading a football club—are within reach. Her journey is a testament to the power of ambition, delivered with a captivating smile and a sharp football mind.