Alessandro Buongiorno, Conte’s defense commander. Paid 35 million (plus 5)

Focus TMW

Neither Lukaku nor Kvaratskhelia or David Neres stand out in first-place Napoli. But Alexander Good morningdefender and commander of Antonio Conte’s rearguard. Paid a lot, because De Laurentiis had to shell out 35 million euros plus 5 in bonuses to be able to snatch him from Urbano Cairo, offering him a five-year salary of 2.5 million – plus bonuses, here too – tripling the 900 thousand he received a year ago , when he rejected Atalanta because he wasn’t convinced about the next career step. A year later he was sold to the Neapolitans and Torino replaced him with Saul Coco, discreet but involuted after his first few outings.

Buongiorno was almost always present and never a substitute. 990 minutes and 11 entire matches, the only one he missed due to a sprained ankle was against Hellas Verona, on his debut, when Napoli lost 3-0. It is probably no coincidence that the rearguard then managed to re-establish itself, conceding only two goals in nine matches. Excluding the last two with Atalanta and Inter, Buongiorno’s impact has brought a balance to an eleven that, a year ago, was notable for its instability.

Name: Alexander Good morning
Age: 25
Operation figures: 35 million euros plus 5 in bonuses
Engagement: 2.5 million euros.
Expiration: June 30, 2029.