Simone Zanon (left) played brilliantly for Carrarese. © Carrarese Calcio

Zanon & Co: South Tyroleans poised for the next step

South Tyrol's professional footballers largely made a name for themselves last season. Several of them are now poised for the next step in their careers, while others face an uncertain future.

June 19, 2026

From: dl

Manuel DeLuca During his six-month loan spell at Modena, De Luca fell short of expectations. The 27-year-old managed just three goals in 20 appearances and the Canarini missed out on promotion to Serie A. Now, De Luca returns to his parent club, Cremona. The striker is still under contract with relegated Cremonese until 2028. As things stand, he is part of their Serie B squad and is expected to help them achieve promotion. A year ago, De Luca helped Cremonese gain promotion to Serie A, but was subsequently released after scoring his first goal.

David Wieser has had a successful year at Mantova. The Val Gardena native made 27 appearances for the Serie B club and scored his first goal in the second division. According to media reports, the 24-year-old midfielder's contract, which runs until 2027, is set to be extended early. The situation is quite different for Lorenzo Sgarbi The 25-year-old failed to establish himself in Serie B – neither at Bari, Pescara, nor Avellino. His contract with his parent club Napoli expires in the summer. A move to Serie C seems likely.

Have a strong season Simone Zanon and Emanuele Zuelli Both players played for Carrarese Calcio. Serie B rivals Padova Calcio are reportedly very interested in both South Tyroleans. Zanon, in particular, is on the radar of several clubs. Serie A club Lecce showed interest in him during the winter transfer window, but the move fell through due to bureaucratic hurdles. The 24-year-old wing-back has scored four goals and provided seven assists this season, and his contract expires in a year. Zuelli's contract with Carrara, on the other hand, runs until 2028.

Jonas Heinz has attracted attention.

Of the South Tyrolean Serie C professionals, the most notable is... Jonas Heinz Heinz is very popular and has had an outstanding season in southern Italy. The 23-year-old defender scored four goals this year for Casertana, who are fighting to extend his contract. However, league rival Salernitana are particularly keen to sign him. There is also interest in the player from Naturns, currently in Serie B. FC Schaffhausen also has their former youth player on their radar.

What's next for the legionnaires?

The future of South Tyrol's legionnaires, who were under contract in the third German league this year, is also uncertain. Max Reinthaler 1860 Munich was relegated to the Regionalliga due to a lack of license. The man from Algund has left his future open. Luke Mazagg Ulm, on the other hand, will be relegated. His departure is already a done deal. What will happen to him next, however, is still unclear. Simon Straud Energie Cottbus, on the other hand, managed to make the jump to the second division and Dynamo Dresden could now join them.

Lüsner is a new addition to the circle of professional foreign players. Adrian Lechl, who will take on the second division of Austria with Wacker Innsbruck. Mathias Theiner has secured Austria Salzburg's place in that league, but returns to the amateur level.