Napoli‘s summer preparations have suffered a significant setback after defender Alessandro Buongiorno sustained a right-knee injury that will force him to miss the club’s upcoming training camp in Dimaro. The Italy international requires further medical consultation to determine whether surgery is necessary, leaving his recovery timeline uncertain and compelling the club to reconsider their transfer strategy.
The injury arrives at a delicate moment for sporting director Giovanni Manna and new manager Massimiliano Allegri, who had initially planned to strengthen other areas of the squad. With Buongiorno unavailable, Napoli must now prioritise the search for a centre-back, potentially triggering a bidding war with domestic rivals.
Milan competition for Tiago Gabriel
Portuguese defender Tiago Gabriel has emerged as the primary target to bolster Napoli’s backline. The 22-year-old impressed during Lecce’s battle for Serie A survival last season and has recently appointed super-agent Jorge Mendes to handle his affairs.
However, Napoli face stiff competition from Milan, who have also held discussions with Mendes regarding the player’s availability. The Rossoneri, who tracked Tiago Gabriel extensively throughout the previous campaign, are actively reshaping their defensive unit and could rival Napoli’s pursuit.
Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani is reportedly seeking approximately €25 million for the Portuguese centre-back, a substantial fee that reflects his growing reputation in Italy’s top flight. The valuation sets a high bar for both interested parties, particularly as Juventus and Inter Milan had also previously registered interest in the player earlier this month.
Alternative options on the table
While Tiago Gabriel represents Allegri’s preferred choice, Napoli are simultaneously evaluating alternative solutions. Federico Gatti has been identified as a viable option, with Juventus willing to sanction his departure as they attempt to streamline their squad.
Udinese’s Oumar Solet offers another possibility, though he features prominently on the shortlists of both Inter and Juventus, potentially complicating any approach. Additionally, Napoli retain hope that Dutch defender Sam Beukema will demonstrate greater consistency during his second season at the club, potentially reducing the urgency for an external acquisition.
The coming days will prove decisive as Napoli await medical clarity on Buongiorno’s condition while determining whether to meet Lecce’s asking price or pivot towards one of the alternative targets. With pre-season training commencing shortly, Manna and Allegri must act swiftly to ensure adequate defensive cover ahead of the new campaign.