Raphael Kofler: When the World Cup suddenly becomes annoying

Just a few weeks ago, the answer was clear: Yes. But now, FC Südtirol's attitude has changed. The reasons for FCS's sudden hesitation and procrastination are, on the one hand, the departure of regular Andrea Giorgini shortly before the transfer deadline and the ongoing injury to Frederic Veseli. On the other hand, there are even several clubs in Serie B that will not release their players for the U20 World Cup in Chile from September 27 to October 19.

During this period, a total of four rounds of Serie B are scheduled. If the Italian national team makes it to the final, Kofler would miss the FCS games against Reggiana (September 27), Pescara (October 1), Empoli (October 5), and Mantova (October 18). There will be no league games on October 12 due to the senior national teams' World Cup qualifiers. Italy's first match at the U20 World Cup will be on September 28 in Valparaíso against Australia. Kofler is expected to be there. That is now beyond question. If team manager Carmine Nunziata has his way, the 20-year-old from Rabland will be in the Italian World Cup squad. The ball is now in FC Südtirol's court.

How does the FCS decide? FIFA has not imposed a release requirement for the U20 World Cup. This means that clubs can decide for themselves whether to send their players overseas, which is essentially a farce and causes a great deal of commotion and chaos. Kofler is a key player and a regular starter at FCS. If he were to participate in the World Cup, the young South Tyrolean's market value would certainly increase significantly. Therefore, FC Südtirol initially had no objection to Kofler flying to Chile. But then came Giorgini's transfer to Juve Stabia, which was planned but still a surprise at the time.

Raphael Kofler (left) is a key player at FC Südtirol. © FC Südtirol

Furthermore, Veseli's comeback has been delayed. He was originally scheduled to return after the current international break, but is still sidelined with muscular problems. Without Kofler, FCS coach Fabrizio Castori would only have the soon-to-be 40-year-old Andrea Masiello, Nicola Pietrangeli, and Filipe Bordon, who Brazil will not include in the World Cup squad, at his disposal as trained central defenders. In addition, there is new signing and Giorgini's replacement Davide Mancini, who, however, hasn't played 20 professional games, and Hamza El Kaouakibi, a trained full-back. One thing is certain: FC Südtirol is no longer so happy about Kofler's call-up.

Serie B plans to discuss the issue internally to ensure a consistent approach. After all, several clubs are affected. Under-20 players who are regular starters at their clubs could withdraw from the World Cup in order to remain with them. In that case, Kofler would not travel to Chile either. FCS stated that they will work with the player to find a solution that satisfies everyone.

Kofler is skeptical Kofler himself emphasized in a recent interview that he doesn't expect to participate in the World Cup. "Because the World Cup is taking place in the middle of the league season, and clubs are reluctant to do without their players," he said. From a sporting perspective, one can argue whether it's better for a young player to compete in a U20 World Cup or to be a regular in Serie B. Kofler certainly won't let his FCS down. If the Rabland native is needed in South Tyrol, Italy is welcome to fly to South America without him. If FCS gives permission, Kofler will be in Chile.

After the friendly against Germany in Reutlingen, the South Tyrolean defensive gem will return on Wednesday and is expected to train with the team again on Thursday at the FCS Center. Until then, the outcome of the new Kofler case remains to be seen.

Serie B Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Modena	3	6:1	7
2. Cesena	3	6:3	7
3. Palermo	3	4:1	7
4. Frosinone	3	3:0	7
5. Carrarese	3	3:1	5
6. Venice	3	4:3	5
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Raphael Kofler: When the World Cup suddenly becomes annoying

The transfer window has closed, but Raphael Kofler remains a hotly debated player at FC Südtirol. However, the topic is no longer a possible move to Serie A. Now the question is whether or not FC Südtirol will send his defender to the U20 World Cup in Chile.

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