Buongiorno injury pushes Napoli towards Tiago Gabriel and Milan battle | OneFootball

Napoli’s transfer plans have been thrown a curveball by an injury to Alessandro Buongiorno, and the fallout could pit them against Milan for one of Serie A’s brightest young defenders.

According to Calciomercato.com, the former Torino centre-back will miss the club’s Dimaro training camp after a right-knee problem, with Napoli confirming he must undergo a consultation to decide whether surgery is required.

The outcome will determine his recovery timeline, and potentially Napoli’s summer strategy, given the club had intended to strengthen elsewhere rather than in defence.

NAPLES, ITALY – AUGUST 30: Alessandro Buongiorno of SSC Napoli during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on August 30, 2025 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Napoli and Milan eye Lecce’s Tiago Gabriel

Should Napoli return to the market for a centre-back, Giovanni Manna already has his instructions from Massimiliano Allegri.

High on the coach’s list is Tiago Gabriel, the Portuguese defender who impressed as Lecce secured survival last season.

The player recently entrusted his affairs to agent Jorge Mendes, who has discussed him with Milan, a club whose scouts tracked him repeatedly last season, while the Sticchi Damiani family are understood to be seeking around €25 million.

That sets up a direct tussle with the Rossoneri, who continue to reshape their own defence, and it revives interest that also drew Juventus and Inter earlier this month.

Allegri’s side are weighing other options too. The hope internally is that Sam Beukema proves more assured in his second season, but Manna and Allegri are also assessing Federico Gatti, available as Juventus look to trim their squad, and Udinese’s highly rated Oumar Solet, a name that has recurred on Inter and Juventus shortlists this window.