Raphael Kofler in the jersey of his new club. © Instagram/cagliaricalcio

In Berlin: Raphael Kofler's special premiere

On Sunday, Bundesliga side Union Berlin and Serie A club Cagliari faced off at the legendary Alte Försterei stadium. What sounds like an ordinary summer kickabout to many was a very special afternoon for one South Tyrolean.

August 02, 2026

From: fop

An hour had been played in the friendly match between the two traditional clubs when a young newcomer from Sardinia was warming up on the sidelines: 21-year-old Raphael Kofler from Rabland. In the 61st minute, the moment finally arrived: for the first time in his career, he was allowed to play for a Serie A club – and in front of almost 9.000 spectators, including around 300 Cagliari fans who had traveled from Sardinia specifically for the friendly.

The match at the legendary Alte Försterei stadium in the south of the German capital ended in a 2-2 draw. Yael Trepy (49th minute) and Paul Mendy (67th minute) scored for the Italians, who will play their first competitive match in the Italian Cup in two weeks. Ilyas Ansah saved Union Berlin from defeat with two late goals (85th and 91st minutes).

Raphael Kofler (second from left) and his teammates said goodbye to the traveling Cagliari fans. © Instagram/cagliaricalcio

Kofler was deployed in central defense during his 30-minute appearance. It was his first opportunity to get acquainted with his new teammates, having only been officially presented as a new signing from Cagliari on Friday. He will now fly to Sardinia, where he will familiarize himself with his new surroundings. The next friendly match is this coming Saturday at the Unipol Domus stadium against French first-division side Nice.

South Tyrolean record transfer

Cagliari is paying around three million euros for the services of the former FCS defender – what makes Kofler the most expensive South Tyrolean footballer of all timeThe deal includes a loan with an obligation to buy at the end of the season; in return, Davide Varoli moved on loan from Cagliari to FC Südtirol.