Promotion to Serie B: That changes for the FCS talents

Alex Schraffl came to FC Südtirol through amateur football. Now he and the club have arrived in the second highest professional league in the country. In an interview, the Eisacktaler talked about what upheaval this entails and whether the club needs to rely on outside talent in order to remain competitive.

Alex Schraffl, promotion to Serie B is a big step for the entire club. What does this mean for FCS youth?

“First and foremost, a lot will change for the U15, U16 and U17. In this age group we will play against the best clubs in Italy in the future. It will be a big challenge and next season will probably also be a learning year. We'll see whether you can keep up with the sport. Series B is also a completely different caliber for our boys.”

Alex Schraffl has been working at FCS for years. Nobody knows the South Tyrolean football talents as well as he does.

How is the club tackling these new challenges? Are talents from all over Italy being brought to South Tyrol?

“It’s clear: we won’t change our strategy! There will be no youth players coming from away just to raise the level. Of course it will be difficult to compete against Inter or Milan, but I am convinced that our boys will learn a lot from the higher level. Furthermore, we don't have the structures to accommodate players from all over Italy. Where should they live? FC Südtirol has no home.”

Let's get to the South Tyrolean talents. How good is the young talent in the country?

“The youth department of FC Südtirol has a very good reputation, also at national level. We always have excellent talent with us and have always sold players to Serie A and B clubs in recent years. Last summer two moved to Juventus. It should be the case that talented people are proud to play in our youth team. Now South Tyroleans have the opportunity to prove themselves at the highest level. And I’m happy about that because I know we’re in a good position.”

With Simone Davi and Jonas Heinz, two South Tyroleans have recently made it into the professional squad. Who could follow?

“Jonas Heinz is currently the greatest talent. He gets a professional contract and is loaned to Serie C. He should get match practice and will do it. Filippo Vinciguerra is also talented, he was in Levico this year and will take the next step with a title contender in Serie D. Manuel Nicotera and Noah Mayr can prove themselves in Serie D at Virtus Bozen. We also didn’t lose sight of Federico Davi, Simone’s brother.”

The 2005 vintage is considered very talented. What does their future look like? “These players were in the U17 this year and became champions. In the playoffs there was an unfortunate exit against Juve Stabia. They should try to be at the forefront of the Primavera Championship next year. There is a league system there. We are currently playing in Primavera 3 (of 4 leagues; editor's note), but want to try to get promoted. We will also keep a few 2004s, for example Adrian Lechl, Victor Vasilico and Fabian Zandonatti.”

What happens to the rest of the players in this year?

“The demand from major league clubs is enormous. Due to the new youth regulations, it has increased even further. We are taking a clear line here: If possible, the players should return to their home clubs or at least to the surrounding area.”

In recent years, many talented players have tried out for other clubs. How do you want to avoid this in the future?

“We are now also a top club. It has to be a very good club for us to give away youth players. If Inter or Juve come now, we will not block the path for South Tyrolean talents to get there. The question is: who has made it to other clubs in recent years? Actually just Manuel De Luca. I am still convinced that Simon Straudi would have played for FC Südtirol in Serie C. In Bremen he sat on the bench and only played in the U23 team. Lorenzo Sgarbi (belongs to Napoli; editor's note) was at Legnago this year. With us he would have played in Serie C and would now have been promoted to Serie B. In short: FC Südtirol is a good address.” “I’m glad he’s joining us in the future. With Hannes we are even better positioned.” Alex Schraffl about Hannes Fink What is noticeable is that the FCS always produces very good goalkeepers. Why is that?

“Reinhold Harrasser does a very good job. It may soon be possible to save two out of three goalkeepers in the professional squad because young South Tyroleans will fill the roles. This year the third goalkeeper will be a young local. Julian Pircher was very good in the top league, now he can prove himself in Serie D. Michele Marano, Jacopo Passarella, Daniel Casaril and Simone Tononi are all strong goalkeepers from our youth team. There is also Daniel Theiner, who is being courted by Sassuolo.”

What role will Hannes Fink play in the FCS youth team in the future?

“He will act as a link between Primavera, U17 and the professional team. Hannes will take care of those talents that are loaned out to other clubs. With him we are even better positioned. I am very happy that Hannes will be there in the future, especially since he has a lot of experience as a professional.”

Last chapter: The FCS is also involved in women's football. What are the plans?

“Over 100 girls train with us. The women's sector has undergone significant development in recent years. With Marco Maraner comes a new person in charge who has already done a lot for South Tyrolean women's football. Marco Castellaneta comes from Brixen as the new coach of the first team.”

Serie B Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Sassuolo	15	31:12	34
2. Step on	15	27:14	31
3. Specia	15	22:10	30
4. Cremonese	15	23:17	24
5. Cesena	15	25:22	22
6. Baric	15	19:14	21
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Promotion to Serie B: That changes for the FCS talents

Promotion to Serie B is a milestone for FC Südtirol. It's not just the first team that faces a huge challenge. Junior boss Alex Schraffl also has his hands full. In the SportNews interview, he revealed what will change for the FCS youth and which South Tyrolean talents will be kept an eye on.

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