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| Italo / Photo: Provided by Jeju SK FC |
[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil] Jeju SK FC heads into its Round 4 clash with Ulsan HD hungry for a first win. Midfield anchor Italo (28), who endured a red-card suspension and racist online abuse after the season opener, returns energized by the club’s and fans’ backing.
Jeju SK hosts Ulsan tonight (18th) at 7:30 p.m. at Jeju World Cup Stadium in the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 Round 4 match. Jeju has gone three matches without a win to start the season (1 draw, 2 losses). Unplanned suspensions and injuries have prevented them from closing out games; while it’s still early, continued slip-ups would invite more scrutiny.
Ulsan, their next opponent, skipped Round 2 due to AFC Champions League Elite commitments, but they’ve won both domestic matches—opening day and a road win at Bucheon—putting them on a two-game streak. Watch for Yago, who has scored in both matches (three goals total), and Lee Dong-gyeong, who has contributed a goal and an assist.
Despite Ulsan’s momentum, Jeju won’t be an easy out. Italo—Jeju’s reliable first line of defense in midfield—returns from suspension. After being sent off in the March 1 opener against Gwangju, he faced racist comments online; the club even considered legal action, and supporters rallied around him.
At the March 15 home match against FC Seoul (1-2), fans put on a special display for Italo: banners with messages of support were raised, and in the fifth minute the crowd broke into chants calling his name. The gesture was meant to show backing whether or not he took the field.
Italo also joined a pregame autograph session and received widespread encouragement. “I’m truly grateful. Everyone at Jeju SK feels like family. Their support gave me strength. Now I’ll run one step harder for my family here,” he said with a smile, adding that he’s already looking forward to facing Ulsan.
For Jeju, which conceded late goals after rallying to equalize in recent matches, stabilizing the backline around Italo could unlock their attack. Choi Byung-wook—who scored the 43rd-minute equalizer and his first K League 1 goal against Seoul—and Lithuanian international forward Gytis, who assisted that goal in his first start since his previous club’s suspension was lifted, have both contributed encouraging attacking form.
Coach Sergio Costa said, “Italo is back. He’s a solid first line of defense who can cut passing lanes and protect space. The club and fans showed him support after the racist comments, and that has made him stronger. Choi and Gytis, who combined on the goal against Seoul, are brimming with confidence. Even in defeat, scoring from open play is positive. We’ll take that confidence into the Ulsan match and push for a win.”
[Sports Today reporter Lee Sang-pil sports@stoo.com]
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