He's reliable: Raphael Kofler is the constant in the FCS defense. © FC Südtirol

With renewed energy? FC Südtirol is back!

FC Südtirol kicks off the year 2026 on Saturday (15 p.m.) with a home game against Spezia Calcio. What has happened at the Red and Whites during the two-week break?

09 January 2026

From: dl

FC Südtirol has been waiting for a win for 13 games. The Red and Whites are currently in a relegation spot. Therefore, a long-awaited three points against Spezia, who have only one more point, are desperately needed. The visitors from Liguria are coached by the former Italian national team coach. Roberto Donadoni on the coaching bench. The former Milan star, like FCS coach Fabrizio Castori at Spezia, uses a 3-5-2 system.

FC Südtirol will have to do without the injured Andrea Masiello and Jacopo Martini (who is out for an extended period) on Saturday. Winter signings Simone Verdi and Romano Frigerio (who plays in central midfield) will not yet be in the starting lineup. "They aren't yet physically at the same level as the rest of the team. Verdi is a quality player, that's clear. He still needs some time before he can start," explained Castori.

The long-time Serie A striker will almost certainly come off the bench on Saturday. "Verdi gives us more options in attack. I currently see him as a second striker in our system." Mamadou Coulibaly, who was a complete flop, has no future at FCS. Therefore, Salvatore Molina could once again feature in central midfield.

Serie B, matchday 19

Reggiana – Venice (Saturday, 15.00 p.m.)
Virtus Entella – Monza
Frosinone – Catanzaro
Avellino – Sampdoria
Carrarese – Bari
FC South Tyrol – Spezia
Juve Stabia – Pescara (Saturday, 5:15 p.m.)
Cesena – Empoli (Saturday, 7:30 pm)
Mantova – Palermo (Sunday, 3:00 PM)
Padova – Modena (Sunday, 17.15)