Official: Brighton sign Coppola from Hellas Verona | OneFootball

Brighton and Hove Albion have officially announced the signing of recent Italy international Diego Coppola on a permanent transfer from Serie A outfit Hellas Verona.

The 21-year-old, who earned his first two caps with the senior Italy national team earlier this month, has put pen to paper on a five-year contract that will run until the summer of 2030.

As revealed by Football Italia’s Alfredo Pedulla, Brighton have agreed to pay a fee just shy of €12m to bring Coppola to the English South Coast. Verona have also negotiated a sell-on clause for the promising centre-back, who had also been linked with moves to Milan and Juventus earlier this season.

PARMA, ITALY – DECEMBER 15: Diego Coppola of Hellas Verona FC looks on during the Serie A match between Parma and Verona at Stadio Ennio Tardini on December 15, 2024 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images)

Coppola has become a first-team regular for Verona in 2024-25, appearing in 24 Serie A matches this term, only missing out on a handful through minor knocks and suspension. He has four goals from 86 appearances across all competitions to his name thus far.

Coppola was also called up to the senior Italy national team for Luciano Spalletti’s final camp in charge at the beginning of June.

With a selection crisis at centre-back, with no Riccardo Calafiori, Alessandro Buongiorno, Francesco Acerbi, Federico Gatti or Matteo Gabbia, Coppola made two consecutive appearances: First as a starter in the 3-0 loss against Norway, then off the bench in the following 2-0 win over Moldova.

He is currently back with the Italy U21 side for the European Championships currently taking place in Slovakia.

What Brighton and Hurzeler said about Coppola

VERONA, ITALY – MARCH 31: Antonio Colak of Parma calcio competes for the ball with Diego Coppola of Hellas Verona during the Serie A match between Verona and Parma at Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi on March 31, 2025 in Verona, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We are delighted to confirm the signing of Italy international Diego Coppola for an undisclosed fee, subject to the usual regulatory processes,” a statement on the Brighton club website read.

“The 21-year-old, 6ft 4in central defender joins from Serie A club Hellas Verona on a five-year deal.

Head coach Fabian Hurzeler added: “Diego is an exciting addition for the club.Although he is still young, he is tall, strong and mobile and he will give us a real physical presence.

“He has made impressive progress in Serie A and deserved his call-up to the Italian national team. We look forward to helping him develop even more.”