Napoli backs Rafa Marin as starting centre‑back after Buongiorno sidelined

Napoli coach Massimiliano Allegri has promoted Spanish defender Rafa Marin to the first‑choice centre‑back role after Alessandro Buongiorno suffered a mild ankle contusion in training. The injury, judged not serious, keeps Buongiorno out, and fellow defender Van Beukema also faces fitness problems, prompting Allegri to adjust his defence.

Marin returns from a successful loan at Villarreal, where he logged 31 appearances in La Liga and the Champions League, scored once and helped the club secure a third‑place finish and Champions League qualification. At 24, he is now paired with Amir Rrahmani in Napoli’s back line, ending transfer speculation and becoming a key component of Allegri’s defensive plans for the upcoming season.