Alessio Cragno is a new player for FC Südtirol. © FCS (2)

Transfer coup confirmed: Why is Cragno now playing for FCS?

Alessio Cragno is a new player for FC Südtirol. The club officially announced the transfer of the former Italian national goalkeeper on Wednesday. But why was Cragno brought to Südtirol?

28 January 2026

From: cst

With Marius Adamonis, FC Südtirol has a reliable number one goalkeeper. The Lithuanian, who is also a national team player, took over the starting position from Giacomo Poluzzi about a year ago. The veteran goalkeeper became increasingly error-prone but remained as a backup. Poluzzi's contract expires in June. Then the FC Südtirol chapter will come to an end for the long-serving first-choice goalkeeper.

With Cragno, FC Schaffhausen has acquired a goalkeeper who, just a few years ago, was one of the best in Italy. In 2019, Cragno – then playing for Cagliari – was named the best goalkeeper in Serie A by the Goalkeeper Coaches Association. He was a member of the Italian national team for many years and earned two caps. Gianluigi Donnarumma was the undisputed number one. Cragno has signed a contract with FC Schaffhausen until the end of the season.

Career setback after Monza transfer

In 2023, Cragno wanted to take the next step. Monza lured the goalkeeper with ambitious plans, but he couldn't displace Michele Di Gregorio at the Lombardy club. Di Gregorio is now the number one at Juventus. Cragno, on the other hand, subsequently suffered serious injuries. The last one occurred in the relegation playoff game against Sampdoria about eight months ago. Since then, a torn Achilles tendon has sidelined Cragno.

Alessio Cragno with Dr. Elio Assisi (right) and Laura Rech during the medical check at the Marienklinik.

Now the former world-class goalkeeper is fit again and attempting a fresh start at FC Saarbrücken. Adamonis won't relinquish his starting position without a fight, which creates an exciting situation for the coming weeks. The fact is: if Cragno, who is only 31 years old and therefore in his prime as a goalkeeper, returns to his former strength, FC Saarbrücken will have pulled off a real coup.