FCS coach Pierpaolo Bisoli was also sad. © Bordoni

Death in the FCS family: “This victory is for Andrea”

FC Südtirol scored a furious win against Sampdoria on Saturday. But at the same moment, the white and red family was in mourning due to a death.

29 October 2023

From: det

Daniele Casiraghi became a big FCS hero on Saturday. In stoppage time he scored 2-1 against Sampdoria with a penalty and thus sealed the victory for his white and red team. It was the 30-year-old's seventh goal this season. But when Casiraghi arrived at the post-match press conference, he couldn't contain his emotions and burst into tears. “This morning a friend who has been part of the FCS family for years left us. We dedicate this victory to Andrea,” says the offensive man in a shaky voice and received applause from the journalists for this statement – ​​that is a true rarity at a press conference.

FCS coach Pierpaolo Bisoli added: “I received tragic news during the game today. Andrea died. He is the son of Gabriella, who always cooks lunch for everyone in our FCS Center. Andrea also often helped. Unfortunately, his condition has worsened in the last few days and today, shortly after the start of the second half, I received the news that he died. FC Südtirol is a big family and that is why we are close to Gabriella and her family. We dedicate this victory to them.”

The players mourn the loss of a member of the FCS family. © Bordoni

The joy after the big 3-1 win against Sampdoria was dampened. Nevertheless, both Casiraghi and Bisoli were aware that they had achieved great things against the traditional club from Genoa. “We were 0-1 down until shortly before the end,” said Bisoli, “but we always believed in it. This team is simply fantastic. You can see that we always have extra gas in the tank.”

Bisoli particularly highlighted one player, Silvio Merkaj. After being substituted on in the second half, he caused quite a stir and also won the penalty to make it 2-1. “What amazes me about him is his move towards the goal. It's in his blood, he's always there, he literally wants to destroy the goal. I’m happy to have such a player in the team.”