Established: Samuel Villgrattner has firmly established himself in the FCO midfield. © P. Schwienbacher (3)

FCO's promoted team from the Landesliga: "I'm extremely satisfied"

Samuel Villgrattner is undoubtedly one of the rising stars at FC Obermais. The young South Tyrolean has established himself in Serie D in record time – even though he was playing two leagues lower last year.

April 07, 2026

From: cst

“I’m extremely happy that the coach is giving me so much playing time,” Samuel Villgrattner modestly replied when asked if he could have imagined playing such a central role at FC Obermais a few months ago. He added, “At the beginning of the season, I wouldn’t have thought I’d get so many minutes.”

Samuel Villgrattner, born in 2006 and having moved from Weinstraße Süd to Obermais in July, is one of the most meteoric rises at the region's only Serie D club. Just a year ago, the defensive midfielder was racking up the miles in the Landesliga (sixth tier). Now he's a key player for Obermais. Only six players have accumulated more minutes than Villgrattner, who has a total of 1.826 minutes in Serie D. On Maundy Thursday, he scored his first goal at home on the Lahn River. In the 95th minute, he headed in the equalizer for FCO against Luparense, making it 1-1. "To score such an important goal in the middle of a relegation battle is even more amazing," said the 19-year-old youngster.

Physicality, quality and attitude: Samuel Villgrattner combines many things that are fundamental in the Serie D series.

Many had Tizian Stecher from Mals on their radar this summer. After a phenomenal Oberliga season with Partschins, he transferred to the Serie D newcomers. Villgrattner, a year older, flew somewhat under the radar. However, coach Flavio Toccoli commented at the time: "Villgrattner is doing very well in training. He's a young player who can really help us." And that's exactly how it turned out. Alongside Stecher, who also gets plenty of playing time, the player from the Unterland region has quickly become an important figure at FCO.

"We must give everything to stay in the league." Samuel Villgrattner enjoys the series D

The question about the future doesn't seem far-fetched. Villgrattner is thinking short-term: "Keep pushing and stay in Serie D. We still have four games left, and we have to do everything we can to stay in the league."