Napoli Hit by Double Injury Blow: Buongiorno Surgery Successful, Lucca Sidelined

FolioPitch.com – 24 July 2026 | Official Napoli confirm successful Buongiorno surgery and Lucca injury in a double setback for the Serie A giants. The club announced on Thursday that defender Alessandro Buongiorno underwent successful surgery on his right knee, while striker Lorenzo Lucca has been diagnosed with an ankle ligament sprain. The updates come as Napoli prepares for the upcoming season, aiming to avoid the injury crises that plagued them last year.

Buongiorno’s procedure was performed at the Jean Mermoz private hospital in Lyon, France, after a specialist confirmed the need to repair the root of the medial meniscus in his right knee. The operation was declared a complete success, and the 25-year-old Italy international will now undergo a period of immobilization before starting rehabilitation. According to the club’s medical staff, Buongiorno is expected to be sidelined for two to three months, meaning he will miss the start of the Serie A campaign and likely the opening matches of the Champions League group stage.

The injury occurred during a training session last week, and Buongiorno immediately sought specialist advice. The defender, who joined Napoli from Torino last summer for a reported €35 million, was a key figure under manager Antonio Conte, making 28 league appearances last season. His absence leaves a significant gap in the heart of Napoli’s defense, with Conte now relying on alternatives such as Juan Jesus or Leo Ostigard to partner Kim Min-jae’s potential replacement.

Meanwhile, the club also confirmed that Lorenzo Lucca sustained a low-grade strain of the anterior talofibular ligament in his ankle during Tuesday’s pre-season friendly defeat to Arezzo. The 24-year-old striker limped off in the first half, and scans later revealed the extent of the damage. Sky Sport Italia reports that Lucca is expected to be out for a couple of weeks, which could see him miss the start of the season. Lucca spent the last six months on loan at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, where he scored three goals in 15 appearances. He returned to Napoli this summer seeking to earn a place in Conte’s squad but now faces a race against time to be fit for the season opener.

The double blow has raised concerns among Napoli fans, who remember the injury chaos of the previous campaign. Last season, the Partenopei saw several key players sidelined at crucial moments, contributing to a disappointing seventh-place finish in Serie A. Official Napoli confirm successful Buongiorno surgery and Lucca injury as early-season obstacles, but the club remains optimistic about the depth of the squad. Conte will likely look to the transfer market for reinforcements, with rumors already linking the club to central defenders and forwards.

Buongiorno’s surgery was performed by renowned orthopedic surgeon Dr. Jean‑Pierre Franceschi, who has operated on several top footballers in the past. The procedure involved reattaching the torn meniscus root, a delicate operation that requires careful post-operative management. The successful outcome is a positive sign for Buongiorno’s full recovery, but the road ahead is long. He will wear a brace for several weeks before beginning physiotherapy and gradual weight-bearing exercises.

For Lucca, the prognosis is more favorable. Ankle ligament sprains typically heal with rest and rehabilitation, and the striker is expected to regain full fitness within two weeks. However, the injury could disrupt his pre-season preparations and affect his chances of securing a starting role. Lucca is a tall target man who offers a different attacking option from Victor Osimhen or Giacomo Raspadori, and his absence will be felt in the early friendlies.

The news comes as Napoli continues its pre-season tour in Italy, with matches scheduled against lower-division sides. Conte will use these games to experiment with formations and test the fitness of other players. The manager has already expressed his disappointment at the injuries but remains focused on building a competitive team. "We have a squad full of quality, and we will adapt," Conte said in a press conference. "But we cannot afford to lose key players for long periods."

As fans digest the updates, the club’s medical team will work tirelessly to ensure Buongiorno returns stronger than before. The defender is known for his resilience and professionalism, having overcome previous injuries in his career. Official Napoli confirm successful Buongiorno surgery and Lucca injury, and the club will provide further updates as rehabilitation progresses. The next few weeks will be crucial for both players as they aim to contribute to Napoli’s campaign later in the season.

In conclusion, Official Napoli confirm successful Buongiorno surgery and Lucca injury, highlighting the physical demands of modern football. While the short-term outlook is challenging, the club has the resources and expertise to manage these setbacks. Fans will hope for speedy recoveries as Napoli seeks to bounce back from a disappointing season and challenge for top honors in 2025-26.