The Coppa Italia First Round reaches its conclusion today with four fixtures set to decide the final qualifiers for the Last 32. Official line-ups have been released for Sassuolo’s meeting with Cesena, Pisa’s clash against Empoli, Cremonese versus Sampdoria, and Palermo’s encounter with Lecce.
These matches represent the last opportunity for clubs to advance into the next phase alongside the 28 teams already assured of progression. Managers have named their starting elevens as they balance squad rotation with the pressing need to secure a place among the 32 clubs remaining in contention to succeed Inter as trophy holders. The line-ups indicate which players have been entrusted with delivering progression ahead of the weekend’s league commitments.
Sassuolo host Cesena looking to establish early cup momentum, with the winners scheduled to face Frosinone in the next round. Palermo and Lecce bring contrasting tactical approaches to their encounter, knowing that Mantova await the victors after producing the shock of the round. Pisa and Empoli contest an all-Tuscan derby, with the winners earning a regional meeting with Fiorentina, while Cremonese and Sampdoria battle for the right to face Parma.
Penalty Shoot-Out Protocol
A distinctive format rule governs this stage. There is no provision for extra time in the First Round, meaning any tie level after 90 minutes proceeds directly to a penalty shoot-out. This regulation places immediate pressure on squads to settle matters within regulation time or prepare for the decisive spot-kick lottery to determine who progresses.
The absence of extra time distinguishes the opening phase from later rounds and increases the tactical stakes, as teams cannot rely on an additional 30 minutes to break down organised opposition.
Shock Result and Defending Champions
Mantova have already secured their place in the Last 32 after eliminating Lazio in the shock of the round. That result removes one of the competition’s most prominent names before the trophy holders enter the fray.
Inter begin their defence of the Coppa Italia title in the next round, having received a bye to the Last 32 as reigning champions. Once tonight’s matches conclude, the tournament field will be reduced to 32 clubs, with the competition reverting to standard extra-time provisions from the next phase onwards.