Buongiorno Ruled Out of Pre-Season
Napoli have confirmed that defender Alessandro Buongiorno will miss the club's pre-season training camp after tests showed his right knee injury has not fully healed. The 27-year-old will now undergo a specialist consultation to determine if surgery is required.
Surgery Could Mean Months Out
If the specialist recommends an operation, Buongiorno faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines. The Serie A side fear losing the centre-back for several months, a significant blow as new coach Max Allegri begins to shape his squad.
Buongiorno joined Napoli from Torino in the summer of 2024 for a reported €36.5 million plus add-ons. He made an immediate impact but missed part of last season with an adductor issue, and the knee problem flared up towards the end of the campaign.
Napoli will be hoping the specialist can avoid surgery, but the warning from the club is clear: a serious operation could jeopardize the defender's availability for the opening months of the new season.