Buongiorno: ‘Random’ meeting with Conte led to Napoli transfer | OneFootball

Alessandro Buongiorno reveals he randomly met Antonio Conte in Turin and remained in touch with the Italian tactician before joining Napoli last summer.

The Italy international swapped Torino with Napoli last summer in a deal worth €40m including add-ons.

He was one of the primary transfer targets of new coach Conte, who had known Buongiorno in Turin only a few months earlier.

“We randomly met once at a restaurant in Turin,” the defender told Cronache di Spogliatoio (via TMW).

Buongiorno: ‘Random’ meeting with Conte led to Napoli transfer

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium (L) and Alessandro Buongiorno of Italy (R) in action during the UEFA Nations League soccer match between Belgium and Italy in Brussels, Belgium, 14 November 2024. EPA-EFE/OLIVIER MATTHYS

“We talked for 10-15 minutes. After that, we would talk at times and in the end, I decided to say yes [and join Napoli].”

Buongiorno is one of the best defenders in Serie A this season. He has shown exceptional defensive skills and has been involved in the build-up as well.

“Every attack must begin with the defender, and we are working on this aspect with the coach,” said Buongiorno.

“We must move a lot to receive the ball from the goalkeeper and the other teammates.”