The lowdown on Diego Coppola

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The defender has joined Albion from Serie A side Hellas Verona.

Richie Mills

2025-06-24T06:00+01:00

Albion have signed a ‘physically dominant’ centre-back who loves the defensive side of the game in Diego Coppola.

That is the view of Sport Italia journalist Lorenzo Lepore, who has high hopes for the 21-year-old following his move from Hellas Verona on a five-year deal.

That is backed up by the fact that the 6ft 4in defender won more aerial duels than any under-23 player in Europe's big five leagues (Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, and Ligue 1) in the 2024/25 season.

“Brighton are acquiring a physically dominant centre-back, naturally suited to defensive duels thanks to his imposing frame and strong aerial ability,” said Lepore.

Il primo calciatore gialloblù titolare in una partita degli @Azzurri dal 1987 💛👏💙#HVFC #Coppola pic.twitter.com/Bf4crqAift
— Hellas Verona FC (@HellasVeronaFC) June 7, 2025

"Primarily, he is a right-footed central defender. Coppola plays in a back four or in the middle of a back three, where his positioning, discipline, and composure on the ball are key assets.

"While he is not a ball-playing centre-back in the modern mould, he is technically sound and excels in short, progressive distribution from deeper zones.

"His main strengths lie in his physical presence, aerial dominance and one-on-one defending. He excels in ground duels and demonstrates solid positional awareness and tactical maturity. Technically, he’s tidy in possession, calm under pressure, and reliable in building from the back.”

Coppola emerged from Verona's academy before making his first-team debut in 2021. Since then, he has made 86 appearances in all competitions and earned two Italy caps. He is currently competing with Italy at the European Under-21 Championships.

And such is his pedigree, Lepore believes this signing is something of a coup for Albion.

"Coppola has grown steadily at Verona, developing in a tactical environment that prioritises defensive solidity and transition play. Over the past seasons, he has become a consistent starter, improving his game reading, timing in duels and passing accuracy," he said.

"Despite playing in a side often on the back foot, he has stood out as a dependable and increasingly mature presence, particularly in defensive organisation and individual battles.

"In Italy, Coppola is regarded as one of the most effective young defenders in Serie A when it comes to defensive duels. His performances have placed him among the league’s top players in several key defensive metrics, especially considering his age. I am definitely surprised other teams haven't tried to sign him earlier."

🫂 @HellasVeronaFC pic.twitter.com/RqVG5mVWIC
— Lega Serie A (@SerieA_EN) May 29, 2025

In Serie A this season, where Verona finished 14th, Coppola achieved the most interceptions (62), was second for aerial duels won (107), fourth for most clearances made (149), and eighth for most tackles won.

So, how will he fare at Brighton and in the Premier League?

Lepore added, "Coppola has the physical attributes and defensive instincts to adapt to the Premier League. His strength in duels and composure under pressure make him well-suited to the league’s physical demands.

"However, Brighton’s high defensive line and proactive style may initially test his agility and speed in recovery situations. If well integrated and paired with more mobile partners he could thrive in a reactive or hybrid defensive system, especially with time to adapt to the league’s pace and intensity."