Fabio Bertoldi and Salurn are in crisis. © David Laner

Salurn's disastrous start: "It was coming."

After five matchdays, Salurn has yet to earn a single point in the Landesliga. Top scorer Fabio Bertoldi spoke frankly about it.

02 October 2026

From: av/sn

Five games, five defeats: How do you explain Salurn's botched start to the season?

Fabio Bertoldi: We knew we were facing a difficult season. It was already apparent in the second half of last season. We only managed 16 points and conceded 72 goals throughout the entire season. While we increased the squad depth over the summer, that alone hasn't been enough so far. We have many young players from the village in our ranks; they still need to be brought up to the rather high level of the Landesliga (regional league).


So there are reasons to be concerned?

Bertoldi: We have zero points after five games. I'd be a fool if I weren't affected by it. We've lost a lot of players recently, including some from Salurn. They consciously made different choices. This has led to a downward trend that's been going on for several years. Three years ago we were third (with 42 goals conceded), then seventh (54), and last year twelfth with 34 points – those are the statistics. And one of those statistics is that we're conceding a lot of goals.

"We have many young players from the village in our ranks; they first need to be introduced to the rather good level of the Landesliga." Fabio Bertoldi

As a seasoned veteran and leader, you will surely have an intensive exchange with coach Stefano Sonn, right?

Bertoldi: Of course, I'm in contact with the entire coaching staff. But I have to concentrate on my job as a player; the coaching staff is doing theirs. We experienced players naturally support them wherever we can. Although it's easier said than done: we have to get the pressure off our heads. We need the necessary composure to get points.


You are 38 years old. How are you?

Bertoldi: Every year gets harder. At 38, it's nowhere near as easy on my feet as it was three or four years ago. I've been having problems with my hips, hip flexors, and pelvis for quite some time now, and I can't do everything in training anymore. I'm self-critical enough to understand that I'm past my prime. My will is still there, but my legs have to cooperate, too. If it were up to my head, I'd play until I'm 60. After more than 20 years with the first team, I have to accept that my body is extremely worn down and battered.

State league, 6th matchday

Brixen – Gitschberg Jochtal (Saturday, 3:00 PM)
Auer – Wine Route South (Saturday, 3:30 pm)
Gargazon – Terlan
Olimpia Meran – Salurn (Saturday, 18.30)
Natz – Kiens (Sunday, 3:30 PM)
First of all, Leifers – Val Gardena
Latzfons Verdings – Lana
Latsch – Tscherms Marling

Oberliga, 6th matchday

Union Trento – Rovereto (Saturday, 8:00 PM)
Naturns – Ahrntal (Sunday, 15.30 p.m.)
Anaune-Comano
Benacense – Vipo Trento
Bozner FC -Partschins
Mori – St. Pauls
St. Georgen – Levico
Tramin – Bruneck