Bolzano – FC Südtirol kicks off the new soccer season on Saturday, August 15, with its first competitive match in the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa. The White-and-Reds will take the field at 6:00 p.m. at the „Stadio Nicola Ceravolo“ in Catanzaro. The first-round match will be broadcast live on free-to-air TV on Canale 20 and marks the official kickoff of the 2026–27 season.
For new head coach Davide Possanzini, this marks his debut as FCS coach in a competitive match. The team completed an intensive summer training program that took place between the FCS Center in Rungg and the training camp in the Ridnaun Valley. The preseason schedule included six exhibition matches, including friendlies in Ratschings, mini-tournaments in Bolzano and Trento, and a match against Virtus Verona. These weeks were dedicated to laying the athletic foundation and internalizing Coach Possanzini’s playing philosophy.
Opponent Catanzaro: New Coach and a Well-Coordinated Core
Catanzaro is also starting the season with a new coach: Giorgio Gorgone has taken over from Alberto Aquilani. The „Aquile“ can rely on a well-established core that finished last season in fifth place and only missed promotion to Serie A after losing to Monza in the playoff final. Captain Pietro Iemmello is considered the team’s leader; he has already scored four goals in nine games against FC Südtirol. In midfield, Jacopo Petriccione pulls the strings, while new signing Simone Pafundi, acquired from Udinese, is expected to bring a breath of fresh air to the offense. The match will be officiated by referee Claudio Giuseppe Allegretta from Molfetta.
