Napoli manager Massimiliano Allegri faces an immediate defensive emergency after serious injuries to Alessandro Buongiorno and Sam Beukema struck within days of each other during pre-season preparations. The Italian club's back line, switching to a four-man formation this campaign, showed vulnerabilities in their opening friendly against Arezzo, forcing the former AC Milan boss to explore transfer solutions urgently.
Allegri has identified Federico Gatti of Juventus as a priority target to shore up the centre-back ranks. The 1998-born defender, valued at approximately €3 million net annually plus performance bonuses, has fallen down the pecking order at the Turin club under Luciano Spalletti's management. Last season, Gatti made just 28 competitive appearances, starting only 16 matches. His contract extends to June 2030, though Juventus would consider departures if adequate offers materialise. Allegri previously requested Gatti's availability when managing AC Milan, and now pursues the defender in his Napoli role.
Exploring Alternative Options
Sporting director Giovanni Manna is not placing all eggs in one basket. The club's initial preference for AC Milan's Mario Gila has proven unviable due to Milan's reluctance to sell before receiving fresh capital. Napoli must also trim squad numbers before finalising incomings, a constraint affecting their negotiating position.
Manna is simultaneously pursuing other targets:
- Oumar Solet (Udinese) — The Frenchman remains available after Inter withdrew interest, with De Laurentiis maintaining strong relations with the Friuli club
- Benoit Badiashile (Chelsea) — The former Monaco defender, born in 2001, represents a potential surplus option from Premier League depth
The defensive reshuffle involves promoting academy talents Marianucci, Rafa Marin, and Obaretin, recently returned from Serie A loans. However, Napoli recognise that inexperienced centre-backs cannot shoulder a full campaign's weight alongside veteran Kvicha Kvaratskhelia's supporting duties. The departure of Juan Jesus further depletes depth, necessitating immediate reinforcement in Allegri's first competitive months. Napoli's next challenge tests whether their makeshift defensive core can stabilise before the Serie A season demands full concentration.
