Raphael Kofler is transferring to Serie A. © FC Südtirol

Official: Raphael Kofler fulfills his Serie A dream

What had been brewing for some time is now official: Raphael Kofler has made the move to a Serie A club. This fulfills a lifelong dream for the Rabland native. Here's all the background information.

July 31, 2026

From: dl

Kofler has been linked with a move to Serie A for about a year. On Friday morning, the 21-year-old's transfer to Italy's top league from FC Südtirol was officially announced. Cagliari Football Kofler is loaned out for one year. Afterwards, there is an obligation to buy, meaning the purchase will be triggered if certain contractually defined parameters are met. This is expected to be around three million euros.

Such a procedure is common in Italy. The South Tyrolean then signed a contract with the 1970 Italian champions until 2032 – a six-year term. Kofler will now get his first taste of Serie A action in Cagliari. The center-back made 72 appearances for FC Saarbrücken in the second division, scoring four goals.

A South Tyrolean football fairytale

At the Sardinian club, he will meet coach Fabio Pisacane, who last year mostly used a 3-5-2 system and led the Sardinian club to 14th place. "I've already spoken with the coach and can't wait to get started at the training camp," Kofler explained on Thursday in Milan.

Raphael Kofler will be able to demonstrate his heading ability in Serie A in the future. © FC Südtirol

Kofler joined the FCS youth academy at the age of ten. In August 2023, "Raphi" made his Serie B debut against Spezia – at that time as a central midfielder under Pierpaolo Bisoli. Last season, the player from the Lower Vinschgau region developed into an absolute leader and a pillar of strength in defense.

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Kofler would be the 20th South Tyrolean to play in Serie A. The last to make his debut was Manuel De Luca almost four years ago. The player from the lower Adige Valley made a total of four appearances for Sampdoria and Cremonese. Now, another local player has the chance to prove himself in Italy's top flight.

Kofler's replacement comes from Cagliari

In return, center-back Davide Veroli joins FC Südtirol on loan with an obligation to buy. The 23-year-old was on loan at Palermo last year. Despite his young age, Veroli has already amassed 53 Serie B appearances. However, he has yet to play for Cagliari. Now the defender joins FCS.

Davide Veroli, a new central defender for FC Südtirol.

“The move to FC Südtirol fills me with great joy. I am joining a club that has undergone significant and continuous development in recent years. In the past few days, I have had the opportunity to regularly exchange views with Vasic, who has expressed great enthusiasm for the coaching staff, his teammates, and the entire environment,” explained Veroli.