Italy’s football legend Fabio Cannavaro asserts that Alessandro Buongiorno surpasses Riccardo Calafiori as a centre-back and urges Luciano Spalletti and the Italian national team to communicate effectively to avoid future World Cup disappointments.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, former Juventus, Parma, and Inter defender Cannavaro discussed summer transfers and Italy’s underwhelming Euro campaign. Thiago Motta’s Juventus are pursuing Jean-Clair Todibo after Calafiori reportedly agreed to terms with Arsenal for over €50m. Cannavaro, while unfamiliar with Todibo’s recent performance, contends that Napoli secured the standout centre-back signing.
“I haven’t closely followed Todibo,” admitted the ex-Udinese coach. “Calafiori, originally a left-back, possesses strong build-up skills as a centre-back, but he must now confirm his potential. Napoli, in my opinion, secured the best option: Buongiorno.”
Italy’s head coach Spalletti plans to meet FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Gigi Buffon to strategize for the Azzurri’s future. Cannavaro, who lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006, emphasizes the necessity for candid dialogue between the coach and players following EURO 2024 disappointment.
“It’s everyone’s responsibility, not just the coach, players, or FIGC,” said the former defender. “Now, we must start anew. Spalletti and the players must communicate openly because missing out on the World Cup again is unacceptable. We require an improved playing style, increased intensity, and greater hunger. There is promising young talent; have you observed the youth teams?”
Napoli performance and stats
