Soccer-Lustrinelli leaves Swiss champions Thun to take over at Union Berlin

The ‌50-year-old Swiss replaces Marie-Louise Eta, who had taken charge in April on an interim basis following Steffen Baumgart's departure and ‌became the first woman to lead a men's ‌Bundesliga team. Lustrinelli, a former Switzerland international, took over at Thun in 2022 and led them to the second division championship and promotion ⁠in ​2025 before ⁠winning the Swiss league crown this season. “Mauro has demonstrated in recent ⁠years how he can shape and develop teams.

Union Berlin have ​appointed Mauro Lustrinelli as ​their new coach ‌after he ​led Thun to the Swiss league title, the Bundesliga club said. The ‌50-year-old Swiss replaces Marie-Louise Eta, who had taken charge in April on an interim basis following Steffen Baumgart's departure and ‌became the first woman to lead a men's ‌Bundesliga team.

Lustrinelli, a former Switzerland international, took over at Thun in 2022 and led them to the second division championship and promotion ⁠in ​2025 before ⁠winning the Swiss league crown this season. “Mauro has demonstrated in recent ⁠years how he can shape and develop teams. Winning the ​championship title with a promoted team speaks to his ⁠technical quality, but also to his ability to lead and inspire ⁠a ​group,” said Horst Heldt, Union's director of football, in a statement on Thursday.

“We are convinced we ⁠have found the right coach for this and look forward ⁠to working ⁠together.” Union finished the Bundesliga season in 11th place and missed out on European football ‌next season.