FC Südtirol as good as ever?

The 71-year-old can rely on a solid foundation. Castori only has to integrate five new signings, of whom returning player Emanuele Pecorino (26 games in the 2023/24 season) is already very familiar with the FCS environment. Ideal conditions for a worry-free season? We'll see. In any case, the White-Reds' goal hasn't changed: It is and remains to avoid relegation in Italy's second-best league.

Goal and defense The goalkeeper position is the only major issue Paolo Bravo still needs to address – or at least wants to. The FCS sporting director would actually like to release all three goalkeepers currently in the squad behind first-choice goalkeeper Marius Adamonis. If that doesn't work out, Giacomo Drago (he has so far rejected all loan offers) will be completely sidelined. The deserving Giacomo Poluzzi could remain as number two. Behind him, Daniel Theiner from Merano would take up the third goalkeeper position. The 21-year-old, once considered a huge talent, has so far failed to establish himself in professional football. With Poluzzi, the rule applies: If another club offers him a two-year contract, he will leave.

Either way, the number one in FCS's goal is Marius Adamonis. The Lithuanian is a solid backup and has given the team security this spring, after Poluzzi and Drago failed to do so in the fall. The 28-year-old international has cemented his status as the first-choice goalkeeper. If his performances remain consistent, he will be a reliable backup.

Filipe Bordon during a SportNews interview at the Hotel Schneeberg in Ridnaun. © SN

Filipe Bordon is a new addition to the defense. The 20-year-old Brazilian is the son of former Bundesliga pro Marcelo Bordon (Schalke 04 and Stuttgart, among others) and is about to embark on his first season of senior football. The central defender, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, made a strong impression in pre-season but slipped up in the cup match against Como. Physically strong and technically gifted, Bordon is fighting for playing time in Serie B.

In general, the White and Reds are extremely robust in defense. Bordon, Raphael Kofler, Nicola Pietrangeli, and Andrea Giorgini are all over 1,90 meters tall. The veterans Frederic Veseli (1,85) and Andrea Masiello (1,84) can't quite keep up. Both players also have to fight for a starting place – more than ever before. Masiello has always had a tough time under Castori, while Veseli was a fixture after his winter signing. The Albanian is currently out again due to injury.

Giorgini, Bordon, and Kofler were given preference in the Italian Cup in Como. They would be the youngest possible central defender trio, but also the most talented. High-flyer Pietrangeli must build on his strong debut season at FCS. Moreover, the question of whether Kofler will stay in South Tyrol will likely hang over FCS until the final transfer window (September 1). Currently, everything points to that, but things could change quickly. A departure of the top talent from Rabland would have consequences not only on the pitch. The Lower Vinschgau native is the new identification figure par excellence, and some fans are likely to come to the Drusus Stadium just to see the U20 international. If the defense stays as it is currently, Castori will be spoiled for choice. On paper, the team is in an excellent position.

mittelfeld Mamadou Coulibaly (Catanzaro) and Simone Tronchin (Cittadella) are new additions to the midfield. FCS has high expectations, especially from the 26-year-old Senegalese – especially since Castori knows him from his past. This summer, the robust midfielder already gave a glimpse of his potential. Together with captain Fabian Tait and Daniele Casiraghi, Coulibaly could form a hard-working midfield trio that will be a force to be reckoned with in Serie B.

Alessandro Mallamo is expected to provide creativity in midfield.

There's no shortage of alternatives either. Alessandro Mallamo played a more attacking role during preseason, but he's still valuable (especially as a substitute). Jacopo Martini is looking for more playing time in his second season, and Tronchin will also want to find his place. Of the departures, Niklas Pyyhtiä is the most painful. FC Südtirol would have liked to keep the Finn, who has now been loaned from Bologna to Modena, making him a league opponent. Mateusz Praszelik, another regular from last season, left the club, although the Pole's performances were inconsistent.

Little has changed on the flanks. Salvatore Molina (right) and Simone Davi (left) are likely to be starting starters. While Castori also has high hopes for Hamza El Kaouakibi, the physically impressive Moroccan is very injury-prone. Karim Zedadka, who was a regular on the left wing before his cruciate ligament tear, will also be fit again in the near future. Federico Davi, who is getting a second chance in Serie B, is also in the squad as an alternative.

As in defense, FCS also has two players in every position in midfield. Castori can choose from a variety of player types without losing much quality. Coulibaly, in particular, can be a real asset to FCS with his robustness, if he can remedy any miscues like the one in the recent cup game against Como.

Attack The biggest changes have come in attack. Pecorino (Juventus) and Jonathan Italeng (Atalanta) are two professionals who previously played for the B teams of renowned Serie A clubs. Last year, however, they were loaned to Frosinone (Pecorino) and Pontedera (Italeng) in Serie C. The Cameroonian had a strong season there, scoring 12 goals and providing four assists. In spring 2024, Italeng played for Trento. Now the 24-year-old center forward is getting his first chance in Serie B, but for now he'll have to line up behind Raphael Odogwu, Silvio Merkaj, and Pecorino.

Emanuele Pecorino is expected to add extra class to the FCS attack.

Merkaj has truly blossomed under Castori and was a key player this spring. The Albanian is a tireless worker in attack, but his technical skills aren't at his best. Buffer block Odogwu was a bit injured in the summer but should be fully fit for the start of the season.

Pecorino, whom Bravo has high hopes for, is also available. The tall 24-year-old is technically gifted, a fighter, and extremely strong in the air. His goal-scoring output could only be improved – perhaps he'll achieve it this year. The Sicilian has the potential to do so. Castori has a variety of options up front, especially since Mallamo also performed well as a loose striker in the summer. Odogwu, Merkaj, and Pecorino have proven their league fitness. Italeng has an interesting profile. Physically, the African should be sufficient for Serie B. The decisive factor will be how quickly he adapts to the new level.

The prognosis Can FCS finally have a worry-free season without major relegation concerns? Will Castori manage to avoid being fired in the fall? And will Bravo finally not have to overhaul the entire squad this winter because the summer transfers have been a success? These questions will be answered in the coming months on the Serie B pitches – although they are essentially all related.

If the new players work, FCS will score points and stay out of the way. This, in turn, will secure Castori's job in South Tyrol. The squad seems to allow for such a scenario. One advantage that hasn't been present in other years is the low turnover this summer. Most players are familiar with Castori's ideas and know what the coach expects of them. That's an advantage that shouldn't be underestimated. Integrating new players always takes time.

Even though FCS remains among the bottom teams financially, the squad appears to be well-positioned this year. At first glance, Bravo has done a good job. However, the truth, as always, lies on the pitch. FCS's chances of establishing themselves in the midfield from the start this year are higher than ever before in Serie B.

Serie B Italy	SP	TV	P
1. Palermo	3	7:3	9
2. Mantova	3	6:3	7
3. FC South Tyrol	3	4:1	7
4. Ascoli	3	4:2	7
5. Avellino	3	5:2	6
5. Modena	3	5:2	6
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FC Südtirol as good as ever?

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