Italy worldwide Alessandro Buongiorno had his official presentation as a brand new Napoli participant on Monday after finishing a everlasting transfer from Torino earlier within the month, and this afternoon, the 25-year-old additionally sat down for his first press convention as a Partenopei participant.
Right here’s what he needed to say …
Buongiorno stated that talks with Antonio Conte and Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna throughout EURO 2024 had been key in convincing him to maneuver to the Stadio Maradona this summer season.
Whereas he’ll all the time really feel a deep reference to Torino, the place he has performed since childhood, Buongiorno feels that now’s the correct time to make a step to a brand new membership with new challenges.
He additionally emphasised that he nonetheless has room to enhance on a private stage, and insists that he, his teammates and coaches are doing all the things to enhance on what was a tough season to say the least for Napoli in 2023-24.
All the pieces Buongiorno stated throughout Napoli presentation
“Plenty of groups needed me this 12 months. Given my pathway, I’ll all the time really feel related to Torino, but it surely was time to take this step for my growth,” Buongiorno stated, reported through TMW.
“I’ve to say, there was no scarcity of affection from Napoli when the rumours first got here out, then I spoke with Mister Conte and the director Manna. We spoke so much throughout the European Championship.
“I felt just like the coach was charged up and motivated, we additionally spoke with the sporting director and the membership President, who each made essential pitches. I’m making an attempt to enhance myself and making an attempt to win with Napoli.
When requested the way it feels to be leaving Torino after so a few years, Buongiorno replied: “Numerous groups approached me. I performed and grew up in Torino, I felt like I used to be betraying myself. You actually really feel the love of the individuals and supporters right here, I’ve been to Napoli earlier than and you may really feel the eagerness the individuals have for soccer in your physique. I’m actually pleased with this selection.
Buongiorno on Conte, management and significance of bettering
On the subject of bettering, Buongiorno added: “There’s all the time room for enchancment. I’m making an attempt to grasp all of the ideas and actions the coach needs.
“To try this, we watch loads of video and converse along with his assistants. It takes time to get used to new ideas, however with the correct amount of need, you be taught so much in a brief area of time. The coach could be very clear, there may be room for development, however we’re on the correct path.
Buongiorno additionally hopes to enhance on his goalscoring contributions beneath Conte, who has a knack of getting objectives out of his centre-backs.
“Having defenders who rating objectives is essential. I hope to enhance on my tally of three objectives from final 12 months. Enhancing on set-pieces is actually essential, we’re engaged on that in addition to on many different points.
“I’ve proven some strengths within the defensive phases, however beneath (Ivan) Juric, I additionally labored so much on the possession part, I’ve additionally improved on this respect lately. We additionally have to work on our defensive phases, as a result of as I stated earlier, you possibly can by no means cease bettering.
One journalist instructed that he might tackle an analogous ball-playing function to that of Manchester Metropolis and England defender John Stones.
“I like these kinds of actions, I used to be already doing them final 12 months,” Buongiorno stated in response. “Regardless of the coach asks, I’ll do all the things that’s obligatory.”
Conte was within the stands to observe Napoli play towards Buongiorno’s former aspect Torino final season.
“At that second, I used to be simply fascinated with my defending, after which the purpose happened. I all the time attempt to give as a lot effort as attainable. If somebody instructed me at that time I’d be going to Napoli, I’d have tried to do the identical factor.
When requested if he is able to change into a pacesetter, Buongiorno stated:“I really feel prepared, however everybody has to really feel like a pacesetter and be able to make sacrifices for the crew. I’ll attempt to convey this as a lot as I can.
“The very best factor that may occur is figuring out your teammates are there that can assist you within the tough moments. This results in a united group, and that results in higher outcomes.
Changing Kim Min-jae and Hardest strikers in Serie A
Is he prepared to interchange Kim Min-jae in Napoli’s again line?
“I don’t prefer to make comparisons, I hope to be an essential participant for Napoli like he was. I’ll attempt to assist the crew, I hope to do very well and I’ll give my best possible.
To wrap up his first press convention, Buongiorno defined who’re the hardest strikers he’s needed to face in his profession to this point.
“Victor was undoubtedly powerful, everyone knows about his pace and he was actually tough to mark. Man-marking Lukaku was additionally actually tough as a result of he’s so large.
“There are various robust strikers, and it’s all the time tough. You must research them so much, watch their motion and the way in which their teammates prefer to get them the ball.”
