Coppola: We didn't concede, so we did our job

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Italian wants to cement place in team.

Nick Szczepanik

2025-12-22T09:00+00:00

Diego Coppola joined Albion from Hellas Verona in the summer. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

Diego Coppola is targeting more playing time in the first-team after making his first Premier League start in Saturday’s goalless draw at home to Sunderland.

The 21-year-old summer signing from Hellas Verona was happy with his performance against the Black Cats. But he admitted after the match that his chances of making the Italy World Cup squad – should the Azzuri qualify – depend on his continuing to get onto the pitch.

“I think it went good,” he said. “I felt good physically. It was a long time that I wasn't playing a game and I felt good.

“I feel like we could have won the game. We had the chances to score and we have a bit of regret for this.”

Diego Coppola helped Albion keep a clean sheet on his full Premier League debut. 📷 by Paul Hazlewood.

With Lewis Dunk suspended and Jan Paul van Hecke unavailable through illness, Diego and Olivier Boscagli were able to re-forge the partnership that had seen Albion through two rounds of the Carabao Cup at Oxford and Barnsley without conceding a goal.

“I have a very good relationship with Oli, also outside the pitch,” he said. “When we have the chance, we have to do it right. So, I think today we made a good performance together and I'm happy for him as I'm happy for me. Of course. I know the importance of JP and Dunky in the team. We didn't concede so I think we did our job.

“A dream for every footballer is to go and play in the World Cup. I know that if I don't get many minutes, I won't be in the squad of Italy as long as we go to the World Cup. It's not sure yet but that's the thing.

“I like to train with the team. I improve also by training, I think in all aspects because the level here is way higher than it was in my home team. Of course, I would like to have more minutes and today I had the chance, so I’m happy for that.

“The club knows what's best for me. Like I said, I like Brighton, I like the team, I like everything, the staff, the teammates and I like being here. But of course, with the World Cup coming I want to improve more by playing games.”