Privitelli succeeds Lustrinelli: FC Thun presents new head coach from the 2026/27 season

A Familiar Face in a Familiar Setting

After his first stint in Thun, Privitelli moved to FC Basel, where he initially worked as Head of Training and also temporarily coached the U-21 team. He then moved to the Swiss Football Association (SFV) in May 2023, taking over the U-20 national team, which he coached for over two years.

His return to the coaching bench in Thun required an early termination of his contract with the SFV. The association announced that the successor for the U-20 position would be communicated in due course. Privitelli is thus leaving the national team before the scheduled end of his engagement.

The previous head coach, Mauro Lustrinelli, originally from Ticino, had won the championship title in Thun and subsequently terminated his ongoing contract in favor of an engagement with Bundesliga club 1. FC Union Berlin. Union Berlin is based in the German capital and plays in Germany's top division.

Lustrinelli Moves to the Bundesliga

At his presentation, Privitelli himself expressed his delight at returning: "I am very pleased about the opportunity to take on the head coach position at FC Thun. The upcoming task excites me enormously, and I am grateful for the trust placed in me. Together, we want to consistently continue on the path we have taken, further develop our playing philosophy, and sustainably advance the club."

FC Thun President Andres Gerber also commented on the appointment: "With Gian-Luca, a friend is returning to FC Thun. He fits the profile perfectly, both personally and professionally. We are very much looking forward to tackling the upcoming challenges together with him and the established coaching staff."

Sporting Director Dominik Albrecht, in turn, emphasized the new coach's professional qualities and highlighted that Privitelli was the preferred choice for the vacant position. Albrecht pointed to his ability to develop young players and his preference for offensive and intense football. Albrecht said: "He can develop young players excellently, stands for offensive and intense football, and already knows our structures."

Career Stages of a Coach from Switzerland

As an active player, Privitelli was active for a long time at FC Biel and also played two games in the Challenge League for FC Solothurn. After his playing career, he turned to coaching in youth development early on and went through various stages in Swiss football before now making the leap to head coach of a championship-winning team.

The timing of the signing highlights the club's plan to ensure continuity early on and not redefine the sporting direction only after the end of the season. Thun won the Swiss championship title in the past season and faces the challenge of confirming this success with a new coach on the sidelines.

Privitelli himself stated that he fully identifies with the club's values and direction. "The upcoming task excites me enormously. I can fully identify with the values and direction of FC Thun," he said at his presentation. The collaboration with the existing coaching staff was another decisive factor in his decision.

With this announcement, the coaching question at the Swiss champions has also been clarified. However, it remains open who will succeed Privitelli in the U-20 position at the SFV. The association indicated that a corresponding announcement would be made in the coming weeks.