Brighton have agreed a deal with Hellas Verona to sign Italian centre-back Diego Coppola for £8.5m plus add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Albion have scheduled medical tests and contract signings, so an announcement of the signing is expected very soon. Here’s everything you need to know about Coppola and how he fits in at Brighton.
Embed from Getty ImagesAfter spending big last season, Brighton are taking a more relaxed approach this summer. They are focusing on bolstering their back line after just missing out on European football in 2024/25.
Coppola is reportedly the second centre-back set to join the Seagulls, with PSV defender Olivier Boscagli also on the verge of moving on a free transfer to the South Coast.
The 21-year-old has cemented himself as a top Serie A defender this season, earning himself interest from Brentford, Aston Villa and Juventus, Sky Sports Italia reports.
For Brighton, it’s an overdue signing. They are aiming to rebuild their defence after an inconsistent season where Lewis Dunk has dropped off and injury issues have been detrimental.
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the Serie A last season, Coppola asserted his dominance in the Verona back line and this is highlighted by his defensive metrics.
According to FotMob data, he ranks first for aerial duels won and interceptions amongst Serie A defenders. He also ranks in the top 2% for duels won with 200.
These stats showcase Coppola’s physical presence at the back, something which Brighton lacked at times last season.
One pitfall in Coppola’s game though, is his ability in-possession. According to FBRef, the Italian ranks in the bottom 3% for passes attempted in the Serie A last season.
He also ranks in the bottom 6% or worse for progressive passes, progressive carries and passes completed.
Although Coppola’s metrics suggest he’s not suited for Brighton’s possession-heavy style, his on-the-ball differences could compliment defenders such as Jan Paul van Hecke quite nicely.
The Dutchman will be allowed to take the reins and drive with the ball as we’ve seen him do so often, because there’s a guarantee that Coppola will be there cut out any danger if he does lose the ball.
Coppola’s ability to read the game and anticipate the opponents next move will provide Van Hecke with more freedom and security to mount attacks from deep.
This move doesn’t only make sense for tactical reasons, it’s also necessary due to the uncertain futures of the Brighton defenders. Dunk isn’t getting any younger and is struggling to maintain the high levels he once reached, whilst Joel Veltman and Adam Webster are injury prone.
As for Igor, he’s linked with a £10 million move to Bournemouth, as they look to replace the Dean Huijsen shaped hole in their back four.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrighton pride themselves on tactically intelligent players that have high potential, so it was about time their defence represented that too. In a squad filled with young players, the back line was ageing quickly and it showed.
Last season, Brighton’s defensive record wasn’t nearly good enough. In fact, no goalkeeper prevented less goals than Bart Verbruggen (-6.3).
Despite a few horrendous errors on his part, you have to look to the players in front of him at some point.
Brighton’s leaky defence has been too reactive at times this season, so bringing in a more proactive defender like Coppola should benefit them hugely.
The Italian’s anticipation and timing is superb, especially for a somewhat inexperienced defender. In the Serie A last season, Coppola averaged 4.24 interceptions and tackles per 90, ranking in the top 2% of his positional peers.
Coppola will likely always be paired up with a ball playing centre back such as Van Hecke, Dunk or Adam Webster.
His playing style will provide balance to the back line meaning his lack of involvement in the build up won’t cause any harm. As mentioned previously, it will just give the forward-thinking defenders more opportunities to drive forward to mount attacks.
Brighton’s approach out of possession under Fabian Hurzeler is very aggressive. Defenders push high and aim to win the ball back quickly after losing it.
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite being 6’4″, Coppola moves well and often jumps into challenges quickly to regain possession, hence his outstanding stats in duels last season.
Overall, Coppola to Brighton appears to be a brilliant signing, especially for just £8.5 million. He has great potential and could develop into an outstanding defender if he can improve in possession.
His physical presence and ruthlessness in challenges gives him a good foundation to build on in the Premier League next season as Brighton aim to tighten up their back line and push for European football.
Written by Isabelle Newnham
INMR FOOTBALL 
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