A low distance scouting opportunity for the next summer, in the same football league where Tabor scouted Gabriele De Nuzzo. With his football versatility he could be a useful possible repleacement.

Pordenone Calcio Tamai

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iahw0bHerRY

Tamai Pro Gorizia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9E5XfjqfFpc

Tamai Codroipo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GrXfKGwxmG4

Rafael Sinožić - Player Profile

Youth Background and Positional Shift

Born in Izola (Slovenia) with Croatian citizenship, Sinozic developed in the Istrian football scene, starting at NK Novigrad and progressing through NK Istra 1961's youth system where he was deployed as a midfielder. This early midfield grounding likely contributes to his current comfort in possession and forward movements from defence.

Adaptation to Senior Level in Eccellenza

After limited senior exposure in Croatia, his January 2025 transfer to Polisportiva Tamai marked entry into regular first-team football. Local reports highlight his quick integration as a centre-back, where he balances solid defending with proactive runs forward.

Key Strengths and Offensive Contribution

Sinozic stands out for his aerial ability and willingness to push up, resulting in several goals despite a defensive primary role. His "difensore con il vizio del gol" tag from regional media underscores this hybrid profile – effective in duels and set-pieces at both ends.

Current Progression and Outlook

At non-professional level, he shows promising signs of development with consistent minutes and impact goals. No high-level or international exposure yet; future potential lies in refining defensive consistency while leveraging his attacking instincts for a step up in Italian football.

Playing Style

Rafael Sinozic is primarily a centre-back who provides defensive stability and aerial dominance, while possessing a notable forward inclination – he frequently joins attacks, arrives in the box, and scores goals (especially headers), making him a modern ball-playing defender with goal-scoring instincts.

Scouting Highlights

Istrian Defensive Roots - Early youth at NK Novigrad (2012–2021) built technical foundation; transitioned to defensive role post-academy.

Istra 1961 Academy Midfield Base - Key years (2021–2024) in NK Istra 1961 U19 as midfielder, gaining positional versatility before shift to CB.

Role Evolution in Italy - Moved to Polisportiva Tamai (Jan 2025) and repositioned as centre-back with forward surges in Eccellenza.

Goal-Scoring Defender - Strong aerial threat and box arrivals: multiple headers/goals (e.g., vs Pordenone Nov 2025, 97th-min winner Jan 2026), "vizio del gol" noted locally.

Offensive-Defensive Hybrid - Primarily CB but excels in advancing into attack, contributing goals from set-pieces and late runs.

Physical & Aerial Strength - Demonstrates heading prowess in both defence and attack, key asset in lower-league Italian games.

Agent-Facilitated Transition - Managed by Italian agent Lorenzo Violo, enabling smooth move and adaptation to senior football.

Emerging Senior Impact - Regular minutes in 5th tier Italy; growing performances show defensive solidity with added offensive upside.