Napoli ask after Scalvini to bring solidity to the defence | OneFootball

Antonio Conte is demanding strong Napoli reinforcements in defence and the latest target is Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, along with Federico Gatti of Juventus and Bologna’s Sam Beukema.

The coach agreed to remain at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona after securing the Scudetto only if he received significant investments on the transfer market.

Scalvini fits the bill for Conte

Leroy Sane of Germany challenges Giorgio Scalvini of Italy during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 3 match between Germany and Italy at Borussia Park Stadium on June 14, 2022 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Christian Kaspar-Bartke/Getty Images)

According to Sky Sport Italia pundit Gianluca Di Marzio, the latest candidate to strengthen the back line is Atalanta centre-back Scalvini.

The 21-year-old was a sensation, but barely set foot on the pitch this season due to two serious knee ligament injuries.

A product of the Atalanta youth academy, he had attracted interest from Manchester City and Inter before these setbacks.

He nonetheless already has eight senior caps for Italy under his belt and a lengthy contract with La Dea until June 2028.

TURIN, ITALY – DECEMBER 14: Federico Gatti of Juventus celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Serie A match between Juventus and Venezia at Allianz Stadium on December 14, 2024 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

Other candidates for the Napoli defence include Juventus veteran Gatti, who had already been approached in January and turned them down.

Bologna centre-back Beukema is a far likelier option for the Partenopei.