Report Napoli push for Gatti loan as Allegri seeks defensive fix

Report Napoli’s urgent need for defensive depth is clear after Juan Jesus departed at the end of his contract and Alessandro Buongiorno faces a two‑to‑three‑month knee lay‑off, prompting Max Allegri to target Federico Gatti from Juventus on a loan with an option to buy.

Allegri, who knows Gatti from their time together in TURIN, sees the 28‑year‑old defender as a perfect fit for the Partenopei’s back line. Gatti has fallen down the pecking order at Juve under Luciano Spalletti, making him available for a move.

Napoli have formally asked Juventus to let Gatti leave on loan with an option to buy, but Juventus have yet to confirm whether they will accept the terms. The deal would see the Italy international join the Serie A side for the remainder of the season, with a future purchase clause.

A pricier alternative, Benoit Badiashile of Chelsea, carries a €30 million price tag and Chelsea are reluctant to permit a loan with an option to buy, limiting Napoli’s options. Consequently, Napoli view Gatti as a more viable solution than the costly Badiashile.

Gatti made only 28 competitive appearances last season, his campaign hampered by a knee injury in December 2025, yet he still contributed four goals from defence. His four goals demonstrate an ability to contribute offensively despite limited minutes.

Transfer analyst Gianluca Di Marzio reported this evening that Napoli have stepped up talks with Juventus for Gatti, confirming the club’s intensified pursuit. Di’s comments underline the urgency as the club prepares for upcoming fixtures.

The final hurdle remains Juventus’ acceptance of a loan‑with‑option structure; if agreed, Allegri can integrate Gatti before the February transfer window closes. Should Juventus decline, Napoli may have to explore alternative defensive signings before the window shuts.

The interest intensified after Gatti’s goal in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Second Leg against Galatasaray, captured in a February 25 photo in TURIN, ITALY. The image shows Gatti celebrating his strike, underscoring his attacking potential from the back.