Juventus began their season with a comfortable 3-0 victory over minnows Martina. City rivals Torino also progressed through into the Second Round along with Fiorentina, Sampdoria, Udinese, Genoa and Napoli. Juve fielded World Cup winning goalkeeper Gigi Buffon against Martina in Bari’s Stadio San Nicola, while Marco Marchionni, Pavel Nedved and Giuliano Giannichedda also started. They broke through after just seven minutes, when Nedved and Valeri Bojinov combined for Marchionni to thump a volley into the top corner. The chances came thick and fast for Bojinov, Nicola Legrottaglie, Matteo Paro and Marchionni again before ex-Fiorentina striker Bojinov rifled in his shot from distance. The Bulgarian had several more efforts and Tomas Guzman’s attempt was tipped out from under the crossbar before Nedved scored another splendid goal from 30 metres.
Torino also strolled through to the Second Round with a 3-0 away victory at Ivrea, inspired by Under-21 international Alessandro Rosina. He dribbled past three players to set up Elvis Abbruscato’s wayward header, but the striker was more accurate soon after to open the scoring. Christian Abbiati was made to work in goal with a great save on Ghizzani’s deflected effort, while he was rescued by the woodwork on Bertani, as Toro’s offside trap failed regularly. Rosina was the key, though, and volleyed in a fine finish held up by Roberto Stellone. In the final minutes, the midfielder completed his brace with a wonderful solo run dribbling past three defenders and lobbing the helpless goalkeeper.
Giampaolo Pazzini’s double sent Fiorentina through and set up an intriguing Coppa Italia clash with Genoa. Cesare Prandelli’s men pushed past Giarre 3-0 with all the goals coming in the second half. Mario Alberto Santana broke through with a volley before Pazzini’s brace, meeting Manuel Pasqual’s cross and turning in a corner kick with his header.
The Viola face Genoa in what is set to be a very intriguing encounter. The Grifoni stuttered in their 3-2 win over Spezia, a fiery match with four red cards. Spezia took the lead through Varricchio before a Greco header, Adailton penalty and new spot-kick for Greco turned the game around. Grieco’s goal put Spezia back into the game, but then saw red along with Fusco, Coppola and Ponzo.
Udinese swept through to the Second Round with an impressive 4-0 victory win over Melfi. Italian international Antonio Di Natale bagged a brace, then his effort came off the crossbar and into the path of Christian Obodo. Cesare Natali opened the scoring with a header after just four minutes. They’ll next face Albinoleffe, who repeated their Serie B play-off win by eliminating Avellino from the Coppa Italia. Rabito scored both goals, including the free-kick in extra time, and Evacuo converted a penalty.
Sampdoria have shown disappointing form throughout pre-season and left it late to knock out Benevento with a 2-0 away win. Italian international Gennaro Del Vecchio’s shot came off the crossbar seven minutes from time and into the path of Emiliano Bonazzoli. Fabio Quagliarella then made the result secure.
Ascoli ran riot against poor Cervia with an extraordinary 6-0 scoreline. Attilio Tesser’s men were always in control and Paolo Foglio’s free kick was followed by a Sasa Bjelanovic strike, but it was in the second half they really let loose. Giampa’ converted a penalty and Paolucci netted a brace around Pezzi’s unfortunate own goal. Ascoli will take on Napoli in the next phase. The Azzurri made short work of Frosinone, securing a 3-1 victory thanks to Maurizio Domizzi’s header, Cristian Bucchi and an Emanuele Calaiò penalty. Ginestra’s late strike was mere consolation for the visitors at the Stadio San Paolo.
Cagliari needed a penalty to see off Cuneo in their away match. Glauda brought down Simone Pepe and David Suazo converted from the spot to set up a clash with Verona - who won 1-0 at Gallipoli.
Serie B outfit Bologna scraped a 2-1 home win over Cittadella in extra time. Giacobbo’s free kick had put the visitors ahead, but Iori saw red on the stroke of half-time for an elbow on Mingazzini. Massimo Marazzina equalised, but it still took until the 94th minute for Claudio Bellucci to nod in a winner. Costa was also sent off for the Rossoblu, who will now face Cavese after they shocked Lecce, winning 2-1.
Treviso are out of the Coppa at the first hurdle following their 1-0 defeat to Serie C side Venezia. Collauto curled in a free kick in the final minute to send the Lagunari through to take on Arezzo who knocked out Perugia on penalties following a 3-3 draw.
In other key results from Saturday's games, newly promoted Serie A side Atalanta eased their way through after beating Sassuolo 3-0, while Taranto knocked out Catania 2-0. Reggina beat Pro Vasto 3-1 after extra time, Sansovino were beaten 1-0 by Messina and Brescia won 3-2 at Salernitana.
On Sunday, Lazio swept through to the Second Round with a confidence-boosting 4-0 victory over Serie C2 side Rende. Tommaso Rocchi was the hero at the Stadio Flaminio bagging a brace of goals around the half-time break. Goran Pandev had opened the scoring after 21 minutes and youngster De Silvestri rounded out the 4-0 result.
In today's other game Siena needed extra time to get the better of Serie C2 outfit Carpenedolo, eventually qualifying with a 2-1 win. The Tuscans went behind to the minnows after 47 minutes with Galuppi’s goal and seemed to be on their way to a shock First Round exit. Defender Daniele Portanova took advantage of a lucky ricochet in the final stages to force extra time and Erjon Bogdani popped up with the winning header on Davide Molinaro’s cross.
View all the First Round results here >>>
View the Second Round fixtures here >>>
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