Andrea Masiello currently plays no role at FC Südtirol.

Why is Masiello completely left out of Castori's team?

FC Südtirol drew 1-1 with Cesena on Saturday. The match wasn't pretty to watch, but it ultimately earned the White and Reds a point. After the game, however, it wasn't all about the result.

06 April 2025

From: cst

Since his arrival in South Tyrol, Andrea Masiello has consistently been a leader on and off the pitch. Since Fabrizio Castori's arrival, that has changed. At least on the pitch, the 39-year-old is currently unable to showcase his qualities – he's barely playing. Although the veteran defender was injured during Castori's first few weeks as FCS coach, he's now in top shape. Why isn't Masiello playing a role?

"It's difficult to talk about Masiello today," Castori began the sensitive topic, and continued: "I don't think we have any problems defending or off the ball. If anything, it was our attack that was lacking today. But Masiello is a defender; he doesn't create chances. The defense did a good job. So it's unnecessary to talk about Masiello."

Fabrizio Castori is happy with his defense. There's no room for Masiello. © DLife/LO

In short, Castori sees the other FCS defenders as currently stronger than the veteran. This is unlikely to change in the coming weeks. Winter signing Frederic Veseli is a regular under Castori, as is Nicola Pietrangeli. And on the right side of the back three, Andrea Giorgini, Hamza El Kaouakibi, and Raphael Kofler have recently alternated. There doesn't seem to be any room for Masiello.

Speaking of Kofler: The young Rabland native didn't play in defense against Cesena, but rather as a vacuum cleaner in front of the defense. Castori vehemently denies that Kofler had any trouble with this: "Kofler played a great game. He gave us the necessary balance in midfield."

Raphael Kofler satisfied his coach against Cesena. © DLife/LO

Castori: “Merkaj was missing”

However, the team paid the price for the absence of Silvio Merkaj. The Albanian was suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card and was replaced by Matteo Rover. Rover has had a very difficult time under Castori and has barely played in recent weeks. Against Cesena he had to leave the field at halftime. "Merkaj is our top scorer, he's been performing very well recently. We don't have a similar type of player to him in the squad, so of course the team missed him," Castori praised his striker.