Fabio Rispoli is the new man at FC Südtirol. © FC Südtirol

FC Südtirol has high hopes for this teenager.

FC Südtirol's sporting director, Matteo Lovisa, signed their 14th new player of the summer on Tuesday. The player is only 19 years old, but is expected to play a key role for the Red and Whites.

August 18, 2026

From: pm

19-year-old Fabio Rispoli, who played for league rivals Catanzaro last season, joins FC Südtirol on loan from Como until June 30, 2027. The midfielder is not expected to be the last new signing, as as s+ reported, Alvin Okoro is also on the verge of a transfer to Bolzano.

“I’m really looking forward to starting this new adventure with FC Südtirol. I’m ready to dedicate myself to the team with great enthusiasm from the very first moment,” Rispoli is quoted as saying. “I really like Coach Possanzini’s style of play: he stands for proactive and intense football with a clear identity. I’m convinced that by working together we can have a successful season and achieve the club’s goals. I’m incredibly excited for my first game in the FCS jersey.”

National player in the U21

Born on September 28, 2006, in Milan, Rispoli began his footballing career at Aldini and Como. After a brief spell at Renate, he returned to Aldini, where he continued his development, eventually joining the first team. In the 2022/23 season, the central midfielder made his first three competitive appearances for the reserve team. The following season, he played a total of 18 matches across the league and cup competitions, scoring five goals and providing two assists. That same year, he joined the first team, making his Serie B debut on January 13, 2024, in a home match against Spezia. At the end of the season, he celebrated promotion to Serie A with Como.

Matteo Lovisa (left) and Fabio Rispoli at the contract signing. © FC Südtirol

The following summer, Rispoli moved to Virtus Verona in Serie C to gain further experience in professional football. He made a total of 35 appearances for the Red and Blues between the league season and the playoffs, starting 27 of them. On October 6, 2024, he scored his first professional goal in an away win against Caldiero, and went on to score three more goals before the end of the season.

Regular role in Catanzaro

Last season, Rispoli once again wore the Catanzaro jersey on loan in Serie B. He made 31 appearances in the regular season and scored his first goal in Italy's second division in a home game against Modena. The young midfielder also played one match in the Italian Cup and four in the playoffs, where Catanzaro were only defeated by Monza in the final.

Rispoli has been a regular for Italy's youth national teams since the U19 level. He made five appearances each for both the U19 and U20 teams before making his debut for the Italian U21 national team on June 8th of this year in a 1-0 victory against Albania.