According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno has shown progress in his recovery after undergoing surgery to repair a medial meniscus tear, with a projected return to action in early 2027.

After two months away from social media, Buongiorno reappeared with a noticeably changed appearance. His unkempt hair and gaunt look concerned Napoli fans, who commented: "This doesn't look like him," "He looks 10 years older," "Why is he so thin?" "Ale, what have you been through?" "You can tell he's lost muscle; I hope he recovers to his former self," and "Ale, when will you be back?" The fans' concern about Buongiorno's physical condition underscores his importance to Napoli.

Buongiorno has completed the first phase of his rehabilitation at the Turin Sports Medicine Institute and shared his progress specifically with Napoli. Photos of him training in the gym appeared in an album posted by Dr. Mozzone, who has been assisting him with his post-operative recovery. Mozzone wrote: "It's great to have you with us, Bong. We look forward to seeing you back in Serie A, the Champions League, and the national team again."

Injury

The medical team's well wishes align with Buongiorno's own goals: to return to his consistently high level. Shortly after Allegri's arrival as coach, Buongiorno underwent surgery to repair a medial meniscus tear. This is a severe and troublesome injury, initially expected to sideline him for two to three months. Unfortunately, the recovery period has been extended, and he is now projected to return in early 2027.

Buongiorno is a cornerstone of Napoli's defense and one of De Laurentiis's most expensive signings, with a transfer fee of 35 million euros plus bonuses. As the present and future of both Napoli's and Italy's defense, his prolonged absence carries significant weight.

Waiting

Buongiorno once met Antonio Conte for dinner in Turin. The former Napoli coach made signing Buongiorno a prerequisite for taking the Napoli job. Subsequently, the former Torino captain quickly exchanged his maroon jersey for Napoli's blue kit.

Buongiorno's first season at Napoli was nearly perfect as the team won Serie A, but he battled numerous physical issues: an ankle sprain in the opening match, followed by a six-game absence due to a lumbar spine fracture, and finally a season-ending injury to his adductor. Despite missing 12 Serie A matches to various injuries, he still made significant contributions to the championship win.

In his second season, Buongiorno's injury troubles decreased, but his performances were inconsistent. He struggled in several matches with uncharacteristic errors, including a poor display against Benfica in the Champions League and a critical mistake against Genoa that led to a goal. He also shed tears and was substituted during the Genoa match. He set an unwanted record by conceding penalties against Inter Milan, Verona, and Copenhagen.

This period has been difficult for Buongiorno: he unexpectedly fell from being a standout player for Napoli and the national team to a defender in poor form. Given his injuries and surgery at the start of this season, his struggles are understandable, but Buongiorno is determined to move forward. Before his injury sidelined him, he wrote on social media: "The night will always pass, and I know it will pass. When that day comes, I will be stronger and more motivated to give my all for this shirt."

It is only a matter of time before Buongiorno returns to his best; his age, physical condition, motivation, and Napoli's support all work in his favor.

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