Bolzano's fistball players were able to celebrate a victory.

Bolzano fistball players: First victory in the promotion play-offs

After a disappointing start to the promotion play-offs for the 1st Bundesliga, SSV Bozen Faustball delivered the perfect response. Following two opening defeats – most recently a clear home loss against Laa an der Thaya – the South Tyrolean team celebrated their first victory of the season this weekend, making an impressive comeback in the promotion race.

20 May 2026

From: pm

In their away match against UFG Grieskirchen, SSV Bozen displayed a strong and cohesive team performance under extremely difficult conditions. Persistent rain, temperatures around ten degrees Celsius, and gusty winds turned the game into a real battle against the elements, demanding everything from both teams.

The match started with a very close score. The first set developed into a back-and-forth battle, in which the Upper Austrians ultimately prevailed by the narrowest of margins, 15-14. But the Bolzano team remained unfazed. As the match progressed, the South Tyroleans found their rhythm, played with greater defensive stability, and consistently capitalized on their opportunities.

Especially in the following three sets, SSV Bozen displayed significantly more determination and turned the match around in their favor with strong team fistball. Grieskirchen managed to narrow the gap and rekindle some hope, but the visitors from South Tyrol maintained control and ultimately secured a well-deserved victory.

With this victory, SSV Bozen secured their first points in the promotion play-offs, thus keeping alive their chances of returning to the top division.

Coach Saulo Zanlorenzi was accordingly satisfied after the match: "Today, in weather conditions that don't suit us at all in Bolzano, we showed a very good and mature team performance. In the cold weather, rain and wind, it took us a while to find our rhythm, but then we showed a very mature performance against a young Grieskirchen team."

Even veteran Armin Runer was satisfied with his team's performance: "Rainy games are always difficult and always dominated by the attackers. However, our defense showed a more mature and consistent performance today than that of our opponents. Therefore, the two points were more than justified. Now we need to build on this performance to secure more points in the promotion race."

SSV Bozen will travel to Upper Austria again in two weeks, where the South Tyroleans want to take the positive momentum with them and take the next important step in the promotion race.