What do U.S. men’s national team star Christian Pulisic, Inter captain Lautaro Martinez, and Serie A players like Jamie Vardy and Santiago Gimenez all have in common? His name is Leonardo Cannavale, also known as Gordon Lenni, an Italian chef who lives in Milan. He has built strong connections with numerous Serie A players from AC Milan, Inter, Atalanta, Como, Bologna, and more.
In 2024, he began focusing on providing tailored meal services for players and soon found himself preparing Thanksgiving dinner for AC Milan star Pulisic, shortly after he scored the decisive goal in the Derby della Madonnina.
CBS Sports recently had the opportunity to speak with him about his role and its significance for Serie A players, particularly as fixture congestion challenges their nutritional regimens.
“Players’ healthy nutrition has become increasingly central to their physical recovery each week, which is why I’m here to assist them at both their training grounds and homes.”
His work is rooted in collaboration with club and personal nutritionists to create personalized dietary programs for athletes. This concept took off when players like Lautaro Martinez and Matteo Darmian began spreading the word about his innovative meal plans on social media.
These meal plans are pre-prepared meals that can be easily reheated when players are short on time. They encompass specific nutritional needs, including macronutrients and healthy snacks tailored to their routines.
With his rise in popularity, Gordon Lenni’s clientele now extends beyond footballers to include tennis and basketball athletes, indicating a growing trend in sports nutrition.
“I believe home nutrition will become an increasingly vital aspect of a player’s health routine. With more games and less time to rest, many players require reliable support for high-quality meals daily.”
Due to his established rapport with players, such as Gimenez, Vardy, and Marcus Thuram, Lenni has become a trusted figure, frequently preparing meals for their families as well. Recently, he prepared a classic American Thanksgiving feast for Pulisic and friends, with scrumptious turkey, green beans, and sweet potatoes, leaving out dessert in light of an upcoming match against Lazio.
“He asked me to cook his Thanksgiving dinner. It feels incredible to be part of such meaningful moments for him and his family.”
