Stadium, goals, new star: There is a spirit of optimism at the FCS

by Thomas Debelyak from Ratschings

FC Südtirol cannot expect a normal season - and not just because of the coronavirus, which is still causing a lot of question marks right before the start of the championship on September 27th. Rather, it is the stadium, the goals and also a new star that virtually guarantee a memorable season from the outset. The traditional team presentation of the White-Reds took place on Friday at the Hotel Schneeberg in Ratschings. SportNews was on site. The stadium The Drusus Stadium will soon shine in new splendor. The FCS venue is currently still a construction site that does not allow games to be played. It will not be possible to play there until mid-October; the new stadium is scheduled to be completely completed in spring 2021. This means: FC Südtirol will not be able to play its first home game in Bolzano at the end of September or beginning of October. As of now, the first “home game” of the White-Reds will take place in Salò, but it could also be that they can play in Brixen. A lot will depend on whether and how many spectators are allowed to attend by then.

But back to the Drusus Stadium: A new FCS fortress is to be built in the heart of Bolzano, which will not only be a model of modernity (among other things, the spectators are very close to the edge of the pitch, there is also a pitch heating system and space for 5500 fans), but also Don't have to shy away from comparisons in Serie B either, as FCS managing director Dietmar Pfeifer explains in the video above. The goals Keyword Serie B: Sooner or later FC Südtirol wants to go there. Walter Baumgartner, the president of the FCS, also knows this. “I'm not so naïve as to declare Serie B as a goal. But it is clear that we want to improve in all respects. In the end, the details will make the difference. This year we saw again that money or tradition alone do not win championships. There is a lot to be gained through hard work, commitment and will,” said the FCS boss.

FCS President Walter Baumgartner (right) presents the new jersey together with Eugenio Ceravolo from supplier Mizuno. © FC South Tyrol

At the same time, Baumgartner has also become unusually clear towards the team and club. “We have to improve – and by that I mean everyone. I don't exclude us officials either. But also the coaching team, which has to ask itself: Why were we always on equal terms in the games against the top teams last year, but lost in the end? (Last season there were eight defeats in 8 games against the top 10 teams, editor's note). And the players also have to have the last bite. A game doesn't last 8, but 90, 95 minutes. It takes concentration until the very last second.” The new star Leandro Greco has scored 2 Champions League goals in his career. © FC South Tyrol

A lot has happened on the transfer market at FC Südtirol this year. But one name in particular stands out, namely that of Leandro Greco. The FCS stadium booklet even talks about “probably the most important transfer in the club’s 25-year history”. No wonder: Greco has played over 100 Serie A games, played for teams like Roma and Olympiakos Piraeus and even scored 2 goals in the Champions League. “I was really lucky to be able to experience moments like this,” he explains. Who was his best teammate? “Francesco Totti! I've been a Roma fan since birth, he was my idol from a young age. Playing with him was a dream come true for me. Also because he never let the star out and also had good dealings with the young players.” The FC Südtirol squad 2020/21 Goalkeeper: Giacomo Poluzzi (1988), Simone Tononi (2002), Julian Pircher (2003).

Defender: Alessandro Fabbri (1990), Kevin Mathieu Vinetot (1988), Jan Polak (1989), Marco Curto (1999), Simone Davi (1999), Hamza El Kaouakibi (1998), Niccolò Gabrieli (2002), Nicolò Gigli (1996).

Midfield player: Emanuele Gatto (1994), Hannes Fink (1989), Fabian Tait (1993), Daniele Casiraghi (1993), Marco Beccaro (1989), Matteo Gasperi (1997), Leandro Greco (1986), Nermin Karic (1999).

Attacker: Gianluca Turchetta (1991), Simone Mazzocchi (1998), Matteo Rover (1999), Manuel Fiwickeler (1991), Raphael Odogwu (1991), Mauro Semprini (1998).

	SP	TV	P
1. Mantova	34	67:22	79
2. Padova	35	49:25	70
3. LR Vicenza	34	45:27	61
4. Triestina	35	56:39	60
5. Atalanta U23	35	39:33	55
6. Legnago Salus	35	45:36	54
View all

	SP	TV	P
1. Cesena	37	78:19	93
2. Sassari Torres	37	54:36	74
3. Carrarese	37	52:29	70
4. Perugia	37	44:33	63
5. Gubbio	37	46:38	56
6. Juventus U23	37	49:42	54
View all

	SP	TV	P
1. Juventus Stabia	35	52:20	74
2. Avellino	35	60:28	63
3. Benevento	35	41:31	63
4. Casertana	36	45:35	61
5. Taranto	36	43:30	59
6. AZ Picerno	36	51:37	57
View all

Football

Italy

International leagues

International

Winter sports

Tennis

Other sports

Motorsport

Cycling

Watersports

Events

Favorites

Stadium, goals, new star: There is a spirit of optimism at the FCS

FC Südtirol will start the new Serie C season at the end of September. The White-Reds are dying to get the ball rolling again; there is a spirit of optimism - and that for a number of reasons.

Suggestions

Comments (0)