Slovenian and Croatian football clubs start season with wins, transfers and coach remarks

Nafta Koper HAŠK Sokol David Pejičić Saša Ilić

Nafta 1903 were beaten 0‑2 by Koper in Lendava, but coach Mere Hermoso praised the team's fighting spirit despite the loss. In a parallel match, Olimpija Ljubljana lost 0‑2 to Grosuplje, with goals from Nal Lan Koren and Enej Marsetič securing the three points.

Croatian side HAŠK Sokol confirmed its survival in the 1. ŽNL‑VS and announced plans to stabilise and push for higher league positions in the new season. The club highlighted returning players and new signings as key to its ambitions.

Young Slovenian striker David Pejičić departed Maribor for Udinese, featuring in a 2‑2 friendly against a Croatian first‑division team and earning a place in the Udinese starting eleven. Coach Darko Milanič expressed confidence ahead of Maribor’s season opener against Aluminij, stressing squad readiness.

In Serbia, Partizan introduced Saša Ilić as its new head coach ahead of the match against Zemun, emphasizing tactical preparation and the club’s ambition to secure victories under the new leadership.