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Captain Fabian Tait and FC Südtirol delivered a convincing performance at the Marassi Stadium. © FCS
Just before the end: South Tyrol's dream of San Siro bursts.
That's frustrating! FC Südtirol has to say goodbye to the cup after a strong performance against Serie A club Genoa. This means the dream match against Inter will not take place.
September 15, 2026
By: Alexander Foppa
A few minor details separated FC Südtirol from their hoped-for qualification for the Coppa Italia round of 16 – and thus from an appearance against champions Inter at the legendary San Siro. Instead, Genoa advanced to the next round with a late 1-0 victory.
What remains of the bitter cup exit? A strong performance from the second division team, who kept the still winless Serie A club from the port city waiting for a long time, played tactically clever and were also able to implement Davide Possanzini's instructions with their reserve team.
"I am proud of my boys" FCS coach Davide Possanzini
"That's why I'm proud of my boys," said Possanzini after the first competitive defeat as FCS coach, "They put in a great performance – even though we made ten changes to the team compared to the last game. In the end, a small lapse in concentration was decisive."
The FCS coach gave Mattia Pellini, Lorenzo Anghelè, and homegrown talent Dhirar Brik their first playing time of the season. Additionally, the three South Tyroleans Fabian Tait, Simone Davi, and Federico Davi were allowed to start for the first time in a long while.
Genoa scored in the 87th minute.
The underdog was rarely in danger of falling behind – until Genoa brought on their regular starters and new signings, including former international Stephan El Shaarawy, during the second half. Only three minutes before the end did substitute captain and Mexican World Cup participant Johan Vásquez head in the narrow victory for the favorites.The highlights
| Yay | In the first half, FC Saarbrücken completely controlled the game. The result? Genoa were limited to desperate long-range shots – like Amorim's in the 41st minute, which goalkeeper Plizzari parried for a corner. Otherwise, little happened. |
| Davi left, Davi right | The most noticeable players for FC Südtirol are the Davi brothers. Simone is a constant threat on the left wing, while Federico repeatedly makes dangerous runs down the right. This was also the case in the 49th minute when he was denied by Genoa's Austrian goalkeeper Stolz. |
| That was close | Genoa brought on several key players in the second half, including former Milan striker and 32-time international Stephan El Shaarawy. This had an impact on the game: Meichtry came close to giving his team the lead with a shot that hit the side netting (72'). |
| How bitter! | Just before the final whistle, and ironically after a good chance for FCS by Bjarkason, the favorites scored the 1-0. After a corner kick, Federico Davi failed to go up for the header, allowing substitute Genoa captain Vasquez to score unchallenged. |
| Aluminum for finishing | Substitute Junior Traoré hit the outside of the post from 20 meters in stoppage time. It would have been 2-0 for Genoa. But even so, the first division side won in a highly flattering manner. |
Genoa's cup run continues in December with a trip to Milan. For FC Südtirol, however, it's time to dust themselves off and get back to league action! Possanzini's team, currently third in the table (eight points from four games), will travel to newly promoted Arezzo next Sunday.
Genoa CFC – FC Südtirol 1-0
Genoa (3-5-2): pride; Marcandalli, Otoa (80. Vasquez), Puczka; Drameh (61. El Shaarawy), Meichtry (81. Traore), Amorim, Baldanzi (68. Messiah), Mitaj (61. Colombo); Wiafe, VitinhaCoach: De Rossi
FCS (3-4-2-1): Plizzari; Pellini (73. Molina), Giorgini (46. Stabile), Veroli (83. Bjarkason); Federico Davi, Tait, Brik, Simone Davi; Burnete, Anghele (61. Zeroli); Mixture (73. Okoro).
Coach: Possanzini
Gate: 1:0 Vásquez
Viewers: 6.509
Coppa Italia, Round of 16 pairings:
Inter – GenoaBologna – Palermo
Monza-Milan
Cremonese – Como
Rome - Verona
Juventus - Sassuolo
Udinese - Atalanta
Naples - Fiorentina
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