Gatti: ‘Napoli wanted me, but I followed my heart in easy decision’ | OneFootball

Juventus defender Federico Gatti confirms Napoli and Antonio Conte had approached him this summer, but it was not a hard decision to turn them down. ‘I followed my heart.’

The centre-back has become a fan favourite in Turin for his determination and attitude, only recently signing a new contract to June 2030.

There was the possibility of an exit earlier in the summer when Champions of Italy Napoli stepped forward, but he was not interested in even listening to the proposal.

Gatti only had eyes for Juventus

LEWISBURG, WEST VIRGINIA – JUNE 14: Federico Gatti #4 of Juventus arrives at the airport prior to the official FIFA Club World Cup 2025 on June 14, 2025 in Lewisburg, West Virginia. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

“I never put my future here in doubt,” Gatti told reporters from the Juventus training camp in Germany.

“It was very pleasing to be of interest to a coach like Conte, who is one of the top bosses in the world, and of director Giovanni Manna. I thank them so much, because they pushed hard to take me to Napoli.

“However, I preferred to follow my heart. This is a family, Turin is my home, I grew up here. Let’s just say it was a pretty easy decision in the end.”

Juventus participated in the FIFA Club World Cup, reaching the Round of 16, so that inevitably affected the timing of their pre-season preparations.

Gatti has found it even more difficult, as he already missed the end of last term due to a compound fracture of the fibula.

“I am feeling better, but it was a struggle, especially as my physique takes a while to recover and I was out for three and a half months. Fortunately, it’s been almost two weeks back in training now, I am putting fuel in the tank, but I still need a few matches to get up to speed.”