Pierpaolo Bisoli (r.) with his successor on the FCS bench, Federico Valente (l.). © Bordoni/FCS

Bisoli beats FC Südtirol: “It’s a fairy tale”

It was a very special afternoon that the FC Südtirol players and the coach on the other side, Pierpaolo Bisoli, experienced on Saturday in Modena. At the end of the reunion with the former FCS successful coach, SportNews tried to capture the emotions on site.

27 April 2024

From the "Stadio Alberto Braglia" in Modena

After the 1-0 win for Modena against FC Südtirol Trat Pierpaolo Bisoli in front of the media representatives with a big grin on his face. He opened the press conference in the belly of the Stadio Alberto Braglia with phrases that are familiar from his time at the FCS Center and the Drusus Stadium. “We are a family, you could see that on the pitch,” said the 57-year-old from Emilia-Romagna.

Afterwards, Bisoli showed unexpected emotions. He hadn't missed an action by the FCS fans who had traveled with him, who paid homage to their former coach's favorite with a banner before the game started. It said: Per semper grazie Bisoli (Forever thanks Bisoli). “The action of the South Tyrolean supporters means an awful lot to me, such gestures are worth more than any victory on the field. I would like to thank them and also the Modena fans who supported us unconditionally.”

Thanks to the FCS fans

When asked about his past with the opponent, Bisoli paused for a moment and then spoke carefully: “That’s a fairy tale. My first win in Modena, and against my former club. And then Zaro, of all people, also scores a former South Tyrolean." After a short pause, he added with a wink: "I didn't get into a fight with any opposing players today, that never actually happens. I respect these guys.”

“Of course it was all very special.” Modena winning goalscorer Giovanni Zaro

Even if Bisoli didn't want to say it clearly, for him this was by no means a game like any other. This also applies to the winning goal scorer John Zaro. “Of course it was all very special. First and foremost, I'm happy that we've finally found our way after twelve games without a win." He rates Bisoli's style of play and methods as successful, "that was the case last season at the FCS and that was the case here in Modena today the case. Now it’s time to step up.”

Federico Valente during the post-match press conference.

And what was the mood at FC Südtirol after the game? Trainer Frederick Valente summarized: “It's bitter, without a doubt.” He had explicitly prepared his protégés for Bisoli's game, and then he took stock with resignation: “It's very difficult to play forward calmly, carefully and consistently against such a low-lying opponent . Conceding a goal from a set piece makes it all even more bitter.” However, he emphasized that this defeat would not dissuade him from his chosen path. So he concluded: “I only have one thing on my mind: making it clear that we will stay in the league as quickly as possible.”