Napoli’s Center‑Back Crisis After Buongiorno Injury

Buongiorno Faces Uncertain Future

Alessandro Buongiorno has sustained a knee problem that could sideline him for several months should surgery become necessary. The defender is set to consult a specialist, and his timeline remains unclear at this stage. If he undergoes an operation, Napoli will lose him for a significant portion of the campaign, potentially forcing the club to reshape its defensive plans.

Milan’s Move Fuels Defensive Talk

Milan recently secured Mario Gila from Lazio, a transaction that left Napoli reflecting on their own back‑line stability. The victory for the Rossoneri intensified scrutiny on whether Napoli’s current defensive units can weather a major injury. As a result, the club is now weighing its options more urgently than originally anticipated.

Napoli’s Defensive Options and Targets

Coaches Massimiliano Allegri and director Giovanni Manna have expressed interest in Juventus’ Federico Gatti, though they would need to meet a €20–25 million price tag. Gatti is not regarded as a certainty in Turin, giving Napoli a potential opening if they decide to pursue him. Meanwhile, the Azzurri have also looked at left‑sided talent, most notably attempting (and failing) to bring Benoit Badiashile on loan from Chelsea. Badiashile, who arrived from Monaco in 2022, has made only 71 appearances across several seasons because of injury woes and competition.

Other Options on the Radar

Tiago Gabriel, a high‑priced centre‑back, has been mentioned as a future investment for the squad. An intermediary also floated Oumar Solet, a player who has drawn interest from Inter, Como and Juventus without any club yet making a firm move. According to Alfredo Pedullà, Allegri will first test the durability of Mathias Olivera and Rafa Marin before demanding fresh defensive cover. So far, none of these names have progressed beyond initial consideration.

What It Means for Next Steps

If Buongiorno returns within roughly half a season, Napoli could survive with their existing backline, provided the coaching staff trusts the contributions of Sam Beukema and younger defenders. However, both Beukema and veteran Amir Rrahmani have struggled with fitness issues in recent campaigns, casting doubt on their reliability. The club’s limited financial flexibility and the lack of outgoing transfers further complicate any attempt to strengthen the area, leaving the situation unresolved heading into the new window.