Napoli's defensive plans wobble as Buongiorno faces surgery risk

Alessandro Buongiorno has been ruled out of Napoli’s November pre‑season camp after medical examinations revealed a right‑knee injury that may require surgery, leaving the Partenopei without a complete back line as new coach Max Allegri prepares for his first days in charge. The club’s official statement confirmed Buongiorno’s exclusion, noting that the examinations showed his right‑knee injury had not fully healed and that his condition prevents participation in the upcoming preparation schedule.

The announcement added that a specialist consultation is now required to decide whether surgery will be necessary, with medical staff set to assess the severity before any operative decision is taken.

If surgery is deemed necessary, the 27‑year‑old Italy international could miss several months, further limiting Napoli’s defensive options and extending the period in which the Partenopei lack a full back line.

Buongiorno earned his Italy caps after a spell at Torino and was signed by Napoli for €36.5 million in the summer of 2024, with additional add‑ons, representing a major investment in the club’s defensive unit.

He already missed several games last season because of an adductor issue, and the knee problem resurfaced at the very end of the Serie A campaign, contributing to his limited availability before the current injury.

Napoli’s defensive depth is further strained after the departure of Juan Jesus, who left the club when his contract expired, adding to the squad‑depth concerns that Allegri must address.

The club’s statement was released in NOVEMBER, and a photograph from a Champions League match on 04 November 2025 shows Buongiorno contesting a ball with Jonathan Burkardt of Eintracht Frankfurt at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, captured by Francesco Pecoraro for Getty Images, underscoring his recent involvement at the highest level.

The contrast between Allegri’s fresh appointment and Buongiorno’s injury‑induced absence highlights the defensive challenge Napoli faces as it heads into pre‑season, forcing the Partenopei to adapt without a full back line while the new coach settles in.

Addressing the gap will be a key task for Allegri in the weeks ahead, as the club seeks to restore defensive stability; the upcoming training period will test the squad’s resilience without their newly signed centre‑back.