Lots of news in Obermais: This is the situation at FCO

Four times a week, FC Obermais is currently sweating it out on the Viehmarktplatz in Merano's city center and on the Lahn River at the feet of Trauttmansdorff Castle. "We're working hard, we're working hard," Toccoli summarizes his team's current workload. Especially in the physical area, they want to lay a foundation sufficient for Serie D. But even Toccoli says: "There's a bit of uncertainty because we can't assess the new league. We'll know where we stand after the cup kicks off on August 24th."

Toccoli and his team still have two weeks to get there. They need that time, too, as the Oberliga champion coach has to integrate half a team. "We've made a lot of changes, but we're very happy with the new players," Toccoli said. The FCO camp is particularly pleased with the young South Tyroleans: "They all bring a lot of quality and a good work ethic." Tizian Stecher (here with Meran captain Abdenaim En Naimi) has had a strong opening few weeks.

One new signing who has particularly distinguished himself in the first few weeks of training is Tizian Stecher. The attacker moved from Partschins to Obermais and has a lot to offer to succeed in Serie D, according to Toccoli: "We knew from last season that he's very strong. He's made a great impression so far. His pace and sense of depth are impressive." Samuel Villgrattner (Weinstraße Süd), Raphael Unterthurner (Riffian Kuens), and homegrown player Stefan Turini are also doing really well in training.

New arrivals from Austria make us smile Toccoli has to smile when he thinks about the two newcomers from Austria. "You could tell right away that they're professionals. Both arrived without even a towel," the coach laughs. With Kilian Bauernfeind (SV Horn/2nd Bundesliga) from Zillertal and Armand Smrcka (unemployed/previously Floridsdorfer AC and Young Violets in the 2nd Bundesliga) from Vienna, Obermais is breaking new ground in terms of new signings from Austria, where football is fundamentally different from that in Italy. Armand Smrcka from Vienna will be pulling the strings in the FCO midfield in the future.

Toccoli also noticed this: "They are absolutely quality players, very positive guys, and open to everything. We work with them a lot, especially in the tactical area, because that will be fundamental. Both are very interested and eager to learn in this area."

Luca Polli is set to make a fresh start at Obermais Toccoli has only positive things to say about new striker Luca Polli. It was Toccoli himself who strongly advocated for the signing of the 21-year-old from Bolzano. Polli was considered a huge talent in his youth and rose to the rank of captain in Sampdoria's Primavera team before his performances declined somewhat in the senior ranks. Obermais coach Flavio Toccoli has high hopes for new striker Luca Polli.

No problem for Toccoli, quite the opposite: "I have strong faith in him because he brings a lot to Serie D. He has a top-notch education, his attitude is remarkably professional, and he's incredibly motivated. What Luca needs now is a calm environment where he's allowed to make mistakes. He's found that with us. He's still a young guy, and I'm sure he'll get back to the level he was at in the Sampdoria youth team." Polli was recently injured (ankle), but is now back in team training.

Short training camp and three-team tournament on Lake Garda Before Obermais begins its Italian Cup match against Caldiero Terme (Veneto) on August 24th, several training sessions and friendly matches are still scheduled. This weekend, they travel to Arco, where they train on Saturday morning. In the afternoon, Obermais will compete in a three-team tournament with Arco and Mori Santo Stefano. Next Thursday, the blue and whites will visit the FCS Center in Rungg, where they will face the FC Südtirol Under-19s. Also scheduled for Tuesday, August 19th, is the Supercup clash against Anaune.

All of these are warm-up games for the "mission to avoid relegation" in the unfamiliar Serie D. Toccoli himself is eagerly anticipating the championship: "Something new is coming our way. It's exciting to watch how it all develops. Some players have already adapted to the higher intensity, others perhaps not yet. It will also be interesting to see how we handle it technically at this level."

Series D size C Italy	SP	TV	P
Adriese	0	0:0	0
Bassano	0	0:0	0
Calvi Noale	0	0:0	0
campodarsego	0	0:0	0
Conegliano	0	0:0	0
This	0	0:0	0
View all

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Hockey

Tennis

Winter sports

Learn More

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Favorites

Lots of news in Obermais: This is the situation at FCO

It's still a while until the Serie D season kicks off on September 7, but the first few weeks of training have already provided some insight into the "new" FC Obermais. Coach Flavio Toccoli says: "Everyone brings a lot of quality and hard work."

Comments (0)