Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno will undergo surgery on his right knee to repair the medial meniscus, the club has confirmed. The decision follows a specialist consultation held today in Barcelona, with the operation expected to take place in the coming days.
Buongiorno sustained the injury during pre-season training, and the club opted for a more comprehensive surgical procedure to fully address the issue, despite a longer recovery period. Napoli anticipate Buongiorno will be sidelined for at least three months, ruling him out of the opening ten Serie A matches and the first four Champions League fixtures. However, sources suggest the recovery timeline could be even more extended.
The injury significantly impacts Napoli’s defensive options ahead of the new season. Manager Walter Mazzarri will be without a key player in the early stages of the campaign, prompting the club to actively seek a replacement. Napoli’s new sporting director, Giovanni Manna, had previously expressed interest in signing Federico Gila from Real Madrid, but the player ultimately chose to join Milan.
Currently, Napoli’s central defensive options include Amir Rrahmani, Bram Nuytinck, Rafa Marin, and young prospect Niccolò Marianucci. According to reports, Manna is now evaluating several potential signings, including Alessandro Gatti of Juventus, Kingsley Solet of Udinese, and Tiago Gabriel of Lecce. The club is prioritizing adding another central defender to provide depth and competition for places.
Buongiorno joined Napoli from Torino in 2023 and quickly established himself as a regular starter, making 31 appearances across all competitions. He has also earned two caps for the Italian national team. His absence represents a significant setback for Napoli, who are aiming to improve on last season’s disappointing campaign and compete for a Champions League spot.
