Tizian Stecher, Alex Debiasi, Renato Sula and Samuel Villgrattner (from left) are facing one of the most important matches of their careers so far. © P. Schwienbacher

Obermais' last straw: "It won't be easy"

FC Obermais faces its final league match of its historic first Serie D season. To ensure it isn't their last game in Italy's fourth division, they must win in San Luigi. Here's all the information about FCO's showdown against their league rivals.

01 May 2026

From: cst

What is the starting position?

Obermais has 33 points, San Luigi has 33 points. But because the Friulian team won the direct encounter in December, they are ahead in the standings. For Obermais, this means: only a win counts. If the South Tyroleans win at San Luigi, they will finish 15th and play in the relegation playoff against Vigasio (away). If Obermais loses on Sunday, their return to the Oberliga is guaranteed. In the event of a draw, captain Martin Ciaghi and his teammates must hope that Calvi Noale loses at Bassano. If this happens, Obermais would play in the relegation playoff against Calvi Noale (also away).

How good is San Luigi?

Like Obermais, San Luigi is a newly promoted team. The club from Trieste's 6th district is winless in eight games, losing their last three. Momentum is therefore on the side of the South Tyroleans, who are unbeaten in five matches. However, four consecutive draws have prevented FCO from really getting going.

How is Obermais preparing for the "final"?

Coach Flavio Toccoli will hold a training session in Obermais on Saturday morning. Afterwards, the team will travel by bus across the border to Slovenia, where they will stay overnight. On match day, they will drive approximately 20 minutes to Trieste, where the San Luigi stadium is located.

Sebastian Leimhofer & Co. will depart on Saturday and spend the night in a hotel.

What is the staffing situation at Obermais?

Almost all players are fit for the season finale. Only Luca Polli is still recovering from an ankle injury. No one is suspended, so Toccoli can field his strongest eleven. It remains to be seen whether the coach will stick with his usual 4-2-3-1 formation or opt for a two-striker system with Mamadou Ngom and Manuel Brusco.

What happens if Obermais wins?

If Obermais wins against San Luigi, then the decisive relegation playoff game against Vigasio will take place on May 10th. The winner would remain in Serie D, the loser would be relegated to the Oberliga.

What happens if Obermais loses?

If Obermais loses in San Luigi, relegation from the Oberliga is sealed. Sources close to the club have already indicated that they intend to aim for immediate promotion back to the Oberliga in that case. Having gained a taste for Serie D, they want to offer football fans in Merano and the surrounding area top-class football. Furthermore, the club aims to remain a strong platform for South Tyrolean talent.

Armand Srmcka & Co. are doomed to win on Sunday.

Conclusion

Obermais holds its fate in its own hands. Two away wins are all it takes to secure their place in Serie D. That's the goal of the club and the team, who are determined to remain in Italy's fourth division next season. It's clear it won't be easy. A glance at the statistics is enough to confirm that: Obermais has only managed one away win all season. Now they need two in a row. It's certainly achievable – and it wouldn't be the first time football has produced a fairytale.