Alious
Brighton & Hove Albion could be facing an early decision over the future of summer signing Coppola, with growing indications that the Italian defender may be tempted away from the Amex Stadium during the January transfer window.
Coppola only joined the Seagulls a few months ago after Brighton beat competition from clubs such as Aston Villa and Lazio to secure his signature.
The Italian international arrived from Hellas Verona for a reported £9.4 million, committing his future to the club with a five-year contract shortly after earning his first senior cap for Italy.
The expectation was that Coppola would quickly become a key figure in Brighton’s defence.
He brought significant experience with him, having made over 80 appearances in Serie A, and arrived at a time when Brighton were struggling for defensive stability.
Last season, injuries to Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster and Igor Julio meant Jan Paul van Hecke was often the only reliable option at centre-back.
However, circumstances have shifted rapidly. Dunk has returned to full fitness and re-established himself as Fabian Hürzeler’s preferred partner alongside Van Hecke.
On top of that, Coppola has faced further competition following the arrival of Olivier Boscagli, making opportunities even harder to come by.
As a result, Coppola is yet to start a Premier League match this season, sparking speculation that a return to Italy could be on the cards.
Fiorentina, Bologna and Torino have all been mentioned as potential destinations, but Fiorentina now appear to be stepping up their pursuit.
Italian journalist Daniele Longo reports that La Viola have already made contact with the player’s representatives, with suggestions that Coppola could leave Brighton as early as January.
Fiorentina’s interest is driven by urgency.
Despite finishing sixth in Serie A last season, they have endured a disastrous domestic campaign and find themselves stuck at the bottom of the table without a single win after 15 matches.
While their Conference League form has been more encouraging, league survival is the priority, and reinforcements are seen as essential in the upcoming window.
Despite the rumours, Hürzeler has publicly played down the idea of any departures.
Speaking ahead of Brighton’s home clash with Sunderland, the Albion boss insisted there is currently no player the club is actively looking to offload.
With Lewis Dunk suspended for the Sunderland match, the game could present a timely chance for Coppola to finally stake his claim.
Hürzeler may opt to rotate his defensive options, offering minutes to Coppola and Boscagli—provided they remain part of Brighton’s short-term plans amid increasing transfer speculation.
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