Winter champions: Does the FCS have what it takes to win the title?

FC Südtirol can call themselves winter champions of the 2020/2021 season. After half the season, captain Hannes Fink & Co. lead the Group B table of Serie C - one point ahead of the traditional clubs Modena, Perugia and Padova.

The FCS has the second-best defense (12 goals conceded in 19 games) and the third-best attack (30 goals) in the league. So much for the facts. Can the White Reds actually have a say in the championship title? The defense After Modena (only 9 goals conceded), FC Südtirol has the best defense in the league. In contrast to the Emilians, who scored 9 goals less, Vecchi does not sacrifice offensive power for a stable backline. Goalkeeper Giacomo Poluzzi is in very good shape. The FCS goalie doesn't reveal any major weaknesses, but he isn't outstanding in any area of goalkeeping either. History shows: This doesn’t have to be a disadvantage. In recent years, a team that had a strong but not outstanding goalkeeper behind them often became champions. Kevin Vinetot is a guarantee in the FCS defense, but has strong competition.

In front of the 32-year-old is the real showpiece of the FCS team: the back four. Vecchi is spoiled for choice in the defense center. The established regulars Kevin Vinetot (32) and Jan Polak (31) have faced strong competition from Alessandro Malomo (29) and Marco Curto (22). The Neapolitan is the youngest central defender, but also the strongest and most elegant of the four defensive giants. Hamza El Kaouakibi has proven to be a lucky find in the right-back position. The 22-year-old has everything he needs to compete in Serie A in the future. Another plus point for Vecchi is Alessandro Fabbri: The left-back is the best assist provider in the FCS with 6 assists.

In defensive midfield, Vecchi relies on Emanuele Gatto, who is actually a trained “eighth man”. Leandro Greco was also allowed to start recently, but the “most important purchase in the club’s history” (original statement from the club) wasn’t really convincing. Greco enjoys a high standing internally, is the first and last on the training ground and brings a wealth of experience with him. In terms of sport, he lags behind the demands. Vecchi wants ball circulation, but also a lot of verticality in the game. This is exactly where Greco has some deficiencies - the 34-year-old carries the ball too often. Sporting director Paolo Bravo has to ask himself whether he has really brought in Greco the right type of player for Vecchi's style. The offensive FC Südtirol scores regularly, but a goalgetter is missing. The strikers are hard-working and work a lot for the team, but at some point an attacker has to score. 21-year-old Matteo Rover is a great talent, but also a dead opportunity. Together with Simone Magnaghi, he is still the striker who has scored the most goals (3 goals). Manuel Fischnitzer has never been in top form since his return a year ago. The signee has so far been little more than a follower, which cannot actually be the claim of a player with his (undisputed) class. There are high hopes for winter newcomer Mattia Marchi, the promotion hero from 2011. He could make his debut on Sunday. New signing Davide Voltan is an extremely interesting player: strong at dribbling, lively and always good for a goal.

Because the strikers miss out, the midfield is often responsible for the important goals at FC Südtirol. Daniele Casiraghi (5) and Fabian Tait (4) are the most accurate FCS players. While Tait is incredibly important as a vacuum cleaner, Casiraghi is considered the linchpin in the white and red game. Captain Fink, who was always able to impress in the few minutes he played, acted as a replacement. While Rittner can play in all midfield positions, new signing Davide Voltan is a real “ten”. Voltan has made 12 Serie B appearances for Reggiana this season and can play a crucial role for FC Südtirol; the lively dribbler has the quality to do so. Conclusion & outlook FC Südtirol already had a top squad at the start of the season. Now sports director Bravo, who is doing an outstanding job in Bolzano, has stepped it up again. With Marchi and Voltan came two newcomers who are among the best in Serie C. A clear indication that the White Reds are serious about promotion to Italy's second highest league. The pressure won't ease after winning the winter championship, but a top team has to deal with it. Even if the FCS likes to practice understatement, the South Tyroleans don't have to hide from any other team. As always, the truth lies on the pitch where FC Südtirol starts the second half of the season against Ravenna on Sunday (15 p.m.) – perhaps for the last time in Serie C.

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Winter champions: Does the FCS have what it takes to win the title?

FC Südtirol is about to jump into Serie B. After the first half of the season, Stefano Vecchi's team leads the championship. Are the White Reds strong enough for the title? SportNews takes a look.

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