(Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa make approach to beat Brighton to major Italian transfer

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

01 Jun 2025, 8:35 am

Aston Villa are building a squad to compete on all fronts next season, with a Europa League place confirmed.

Although they did not want it, the Villans have a strong chance to win European silverware for the first time in 43 years.

With that in mind, Unai Emery will need to beat his Premier League rivals to players, and the carrot of continental football will help.

Indeed, Villa are competing with Brighton to land an Italian centre-back with vast potential.

Emery is a master of the Europa League (Credit: Imago)

Aston Villa and Brighton in tussle for Hellas Verona star

Villa finished the Premier League season in sixth place, missing out on Champions League football on goal difference.

That was a bitter pill for the West Midlands club to swallow, considering a refereeing error sealed their fate.

Position	Team	Points	Goal difference
1st	Liverpool	84	45
2nd	Arsenal	74	35
3rd	Man City	71	28
4th	Chelsea	69	21
5th	Newcastle United	66	21
6th	Aston Villa	66	7

Villa were denied Champions League football on goal difference

However, there is still reason to be positive around Villa Park as Emery has the European nous to guide Villa to a final.

As the Spaniard aims to bolster his already strong squad, he is looking at Italian centre-back Diego Coppola to help his cause.

However, Villa will face a battle to land Coppola, as Brighton have also held initial talks with the player, according to The Sunday Mirror (1 June, page 69).

With interest in the defender mounting, the Villans have requested information on the Italian.

Another Premier League club interested is Brentford, who are also eyeing an approach for Coppola.

Emery will hope the allure of European football will convince Coppola (Credit: Imago)

Who is Villa target Diego Coppola?

Diego Coppola is an Italian centre-half who has spent his entire career with Hella Verona in Italy.

Verona finished the season in 14th position, their sixth successive campaign in the Italian top tier.

Coppola made his senior debut for Gialloblu during the 2020/21 season and has made 85 appearances for the European club.

His potential has been recognised by his country, and he has represented Italy at four different youth levels to date.

Although he is yet to make an appearance for the senior team, the feeling is that a debut will be on the horizon.

Coppola has impressive defensive statistics and averages 2.1 interceptions per game and 1.9 tackles per game, as per Sofascore.

As Emery looks to shore up his defence, Coppola would be a smart signing and would be regarded as one for the future.

Diego Coppola