Defender Alessandro Buongiorno has completed a significant move to a top club. Joining the reigning league champions, he is set to play in the Champions League next season – a major step for the player whose transfer fee was reportedly around €40 million. Over the past two seasons, Buongiorno has been a standout performer for Torino.
However, last summer presented a potential turning point in his career, as he chose not to join Juventus. He explained his decision, which also involved rejecting earlier interest from Atalanta:
`There was real interest [from Juventus]; they contacted me before Napoli expressed their desire to sign me. I spoke with them, but more importantly, I spoke with myself. I couldn`t betray my history; I was born and raised a `Granata` [Torino player]. I explained this to Thiago Motta, who I consider a great coach. When Atalanta approached, I had decided to stay at Toro after consulting with family, friends, and acquaintances. But when Juventus came calling, I made the decision entirely on my own…`
This refusal to join Juventus paved the way for Antonio Conte to secure Buongiorno as his defensive leader. He solidified this position, particularly after a 3-0 defeat against Hellas Verona where he was absent, underscoring the team`s need for his presence in the backline.
