Costacurta labels Napoli defender Italy’s ‘successor’ to Chiellini

Alessandro Costacurta labelled Napoli centre-back Alessandro Buongiorno as Italy’s ‘probable successor’ to former Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini after the Partenopei defender’s performance in the 1-1 draw against Inter in Serie A on Sunday.

Buongiorno was rated as one of the best performing players on the pitch across the Italian press during the top-of-the-table clash between Inter and Napoli in San Siro on Sunday night. He and his teammates remain atop the Serie A table, despite being held by runners-up at the time, Inter.

Costacurta labels Napoli defender Italy’s ‘successor’ to Chiellini

Costacurta, who was on punditry duty with Sky Sport Italia, was one of many who were impressed by the Italy international’s performance.

“It’s the third year now that he’s doing very well, he’s grown significantly. Chiellini played a slightly rougher style of football, but in this respect, Buongiorno is the probable successor to Giorgio.

“He’s alert and physical, he made two interventions against Inter thanks to the defender’s instincts.”

Buongiorno, 23, has been capped on seven occasions for the Italy national team.

The Azzurri have plenty of options on the left side of centre-back with Alesssadnro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori often the go-to options over the first two international breaks of the season, but with an injury to the Arsenal defender at present, Buongiorno could have see more minutes when the squad play their next two Nations League fixtures in November.