Luca Belardinelli returns to FC Südtirol. © Bordoni

Belardinelli: The midfield engine returns to South Tyrol

FC Südtirol, which is threatened with relegation, is continuing to work hard on the winter transfer market to strengthen its squad. One returnee is already staying in South Tyrol.

07 January 2025

From: dl

Like the daily newspaper Dolomites reported, Luca Belardinelli on Epiphany (Monday) already made a few laps in the FCS Center in Rungg. In the last few days, SportNews reported on the upcoming deal. In the 2022/23 season, when FC Südtirol sensationally stormed into the playoff semi-finals, Belardinelli was already under contract with FCS as a loan player. Of all things, the midfield engine was seriously injured in the first half of the semi-final second leg in Bari on June 2, 2023.

After tearing his cruciate ligament, Belardinelli was unable to get back on his feet. The now 23-year-old has not played a role at Serie A club Empoli since then and is now expected to gain match practice at FC Südtirol. He will be loaned out until the end of the season. Under Pierpaolo Bisoli, Belardinelli played an important role in midfield alongside Fabian Tait. The number eight is considered to be a physically strong player who enjoys running. He also has solid technique.

Luca Belardinelli played for FC Südtirol in the 2022/23 season. © Bordoni

It will be interesting to see what condition Belardinelli is in and whether he will be an immediate reinforcement for FCS. The fact is that the central midfield needs a breath of fresh air. Tommaso Arrigoni (30) has recently been out of form, Jasmin Kurtic (35) is no longer the youngest and is also frequently injured. Fabian Tait (31) is not expected to be ready to play again until February after his thigh injury. In addition, the deal with Bologna's midfield talent is also said to be Nicholas the Pythian (21) is already fixed. For the storm, Ettore Gliozzi another returnee ready.