Meran coach Massimo Bertinato and his team are aiming for cup victory. © Giacomelli

Cup final: Meran wants to do more than just trip up Ahrntal

On Friday evening, Olimpia Meran and SSV Ahrntal will meet in the cup final on the Brixen youth center artificial turf pitch (19 p.m.). A clear matter for the regional league team? Not if Massimo Bertinato, the Merano coach, has his way.

30 Maj 2024

From: cst

“I don’t think we are the weaker team and we will prove that on the pitch,” says Bertinato, setting out the route for the final against Ahrntal. The coach of Olimpia Meran is excited for the final and is looking forward to one thing above all: “two teams trying to play football.”

Meran has already eliminated a strong national league team in Latsch on the way to the final. Ahrntal, on the other hand, eliminated Bozner FC and Naturns. Both clubs that played in the top league last season. That doesn't make Bertinato uneasy: “We've already beaten regional league teams, why shouldn't we do it again? We are a well-rehearsed team that has been training 3 times a week for 4 years. We have a clear system and have created a group that will aim for higher goals in the future.”

Former FCS youth player Luca Fedel has been a constant at Meran for years. © Giacomelli

Bertinato welcomes the fact that the final will be held on artificial turf at the Brixen youth center and not in Stange as originally planned. “Ahrntal usually plays on artificial turf, and so do we. That’s why I think it’s good that the final is also being played on artificial turf,” said the coach. What kind of opponent does Bertinato expect? “I think they will press us. And we will do the same. It is not in our nature to wait and play on the counterattack. I expect an aggressive performance from my team. Ahrntal is a good opponent and we have respect, but we are also a good team.”

Volksbank State Cup: The final

SSV Ahrntal – Olimpia Meran
Date: Friday, 19 p.m
Venue: Brixen youth center (artificial turf)
Referee: Kilian Orrigo (Bolzano)