Buongiorno: ‘Nobody expected Napoli victory, but need 1 final sprint’

NAPLES, ITALY – DECEMBER 08: Alessandro Buongiorno of Napoli during the Serie A match between Napoli and SS Lazio at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 08, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Alessandro Buongiorno admits ‘nobody expected’ Napoli to be top of the table with one round to go, but now they ‘need one final sprint’ for the Scudetto, hoping he can play on Friday.

The Partenopei were held to a 0-0 draw by Parma on Sunday, but because Inter were also pegged back 2-2 by Lazio in a thriller at San Siro, it means their lead remains intact at one Serie A point.

Because the Scudetto is still up in the air, their final games will be played simultaneously, so Como vs. Inter and Napoli vs. Cagliari are both on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT, 20.45 CET).

Buongiorno amazed by Napoli progress

“Serie A has shown us that there are no easy games, especially away from home,” Buongiorno told Radio CRC of the goalless draw at the Stadio Tardini.

“We could’ve done more in attack, but Inter were also held by Parma a few weeks ago, so that means something. Now it is up to us to prove what we are capable of, we must always think positive and not let this opportunity slip through our grasp.”

Antonio Conte has repeatedly stated that Napoli’s objective was merely to qualify for Europe, at best to get into the top four and enter the Champions League, so challenging for the Scudetto was not part of the plan.

“We’re a great squad, we said that from the first day, creating a sense of unity that is fundamental to aim for big objectives. Having said that, nobody expected this,” continued Buongiorno.

“We’ve been up there all year, now we need one final sprint to put the icing on this great season.”

Napoli on the verge of greatness

Buongiorno has been struggling with injury problems for much of the campaign and missed the trip to Parma, so he remains a major doubt for the final match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

“I feel better day after day. I’m giving my all to recover in time for Friday’s match against Cagliari, so we’ll see how it goes,” concluded the former Torino defender.

“We will feel the passion of the 50,000 fans at the Stadio Maradona to push us on.”