Ex-Serie A defender names top two Italy centre-backs, snubs Bastoni | OneFootball

Former Torino defender Giacomo Ferri feels that Alessandro Buongiorno and Giorgio Scalvini are the best Italian centre-backs: ‘Alessandro Bastoni has other qualities.’

Former Torino star Ferri defended Napoli centre-back Buongiorno after the Italy international made clear errors in an eventual 3-2 win over Genoa on Saturday.

‘Buongiorno and Scalvini the best centre-backs in Italy’

Alessandro Buongiorno plays for Italy in Moldova during the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)

“I think there are many reasons why he’ll bounce back,” Ferri told Radio TuttoNapoli via Calciomercato.com.

“He’s young, he still has room for improvement and has a coach who, for me, is able to make everyone improve. Buongiorno has indeed made errors in recent times, but I think physical issues played a part in this. He hasn’t been 100% fit.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 23: Giorgio Scalvini of Italy arrives before Italy training session at NY Red Bulls TG on March 23, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“For me, Scalvini and Buongiorno are the best Italian centre-backs right now,” Ferri continued.

“They might be struggling at times, but they have room for improvement and coaches who can make them develop.”

Ferri even prefers Buongiorno over Inter’s Bastoni.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s fifth goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“As a pure centre-back, Buongiorno is superior,” he claimed.

“Bastoni has other qualities, especially when he attacks. He’s perfect as a left defender in a three-man defence. I’m not saying he’s a bad defender, quite the opposite, but as a pure centre-back, Buongiorno is superior.”