Diego Coppola

Diego Coppola (; born 28 December 2003) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for club Paris FC and the Italy national team.

Club career Hellas Verona After coming through the youth ranks of Hellas Verona, Coppola made his professional debut with the first team on 15 December 2021, coming on as a substitute during a 4–3 Coppa Italia loss to Empoli. He subsequently made his Serie A debut on 15 January 2022, replacing Adrien Tameze at the 80th minute of the league game against Sassuolo. On 27 February, the defender made his first start for Verona, playing the entirety of the Serie A game against Venezia.

On 20 April 2022, Coppola officially extended his contract with the club, signing a new five-year deal. On 4 February 2024, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2–1 away defeat against Napoli.

Brighton & Hove Albion On 17 June 2025, Coppola signed for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee of £9.4m, signing a five-year deal. He made his debut on 27 August, starting and earning an assist in Brighton's 6–0 away win over Oxford United in the EFL Cup. Four days later, he made his first Premier League appearance, coming on as a 95th minute substitute for Yankuba Minteh in a 2–1 comeback win against Manchester City.

Paris FC On 29 January 2026, Coppola was loaned out to Ligue 1 side Paris FC until the end of the season. Later that year, on 16 July, Paris FC made the transfer permanent and signed a five-season contract with Coppola.

International career Coppola was born in Italy to an Italian father and Dutch mother. He has represented Italy at various youth international levels, having played for the under-18, under-19 and under-20 national teams. In May and December 2022, Coppola was involved in training camps led by the Italian senior national team's manager, Roberto Mancini, and aimed to the most promising national talents.

Coppola received his first call-up to the senior Italy national team on 26 May 2025. He debuted on 6 June against Norway, starting and playing the full match, with Italy losing 3–0.

Style of play Being a centre-back who can play both in a back three or four, Coppola is known by his athleticism despite his height, as well as a notable tactical intelligence and, as perceived by football watchers, decent ball-playing skills. Positioning, marking, and anticipation are his strongest traits in the defensive phase of his game.

International