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FC Südtirol has reached the second round of the Italian Cup. © FC Südtirol
Cup drama in Catanzaro: FC Südtirol celebrates penalty-killer Plizzari
FC Südtirol kicked off the season with an emotional victory. On Saturday, the Red and Whites prevailed in the first round of the Italian Cup – but only after a penalty shootout.
August 15, 2026
From: never
New coach, new sporting director, new players – and finally a new season! FC Südtirol kicked off the 2026/27 season on Saturday evening with a healthy dose of optimism. The Red and Whites immediately converted this into a victory. In the first round of the Coppa Italia, coach Davide Possanzini's team prevailed against league rivals Catanzaro in a dramatic penalty shootout (4-3 on penalties). After a 2-2 draw at the end of 90 minutes, goalkeeper Alessandro Plizzari became the hero, saving two penalties.
Some observers had to get used to the way FC Südtirol approached the challenge in Calabria. Compared to the relegation playoff second leg against Bari last May, in which the White-Reds had secured their place in the leagueOnly Simone Tronchin was the only player to return to the starting lineup. A total of nine new signings were in the starting eleven.
This circumstance, however, did not prevent the visitors from a furious start. Returning player Niklas Pyyhtiä gave them an early lead with a stunning free kick (17'). Subsequently, FCS's momentum faltered somewhat, and Catanzaro increasingly dictated the play in front of nearly 3.000 spectators at the Stadio Nicola Ceravolo. The logical consequence: Pietro Iemmello equalized for last season's playoff finalists (53').
Tronchin: From unlucky guy to trailblazer
The second half continued in the same vein. Catanzaro finally capitalized on their superiority and took the lead after a fatal misplaced pass by Tronchin near the FCS penalty area: Iemmello gave Plizzari no chance with the rebound (53'). Tronchin, however, was to redeem himself. A few minutes before the end of regular time, he set up substitute Kenny Mixtur with a perfectly weighted pass. Mixtur made it 2-2 – forcing a penalty shootout.Riccardo Stivanello was the first player to step up to the penalty spot, but his shot was saved by Mirko Pigliacelli. While his teammates all kept their cool, Plizzari became the hero of FC Südtirol on the goal line. The 26-year-old saved two penalties, securing their first-ever qualification for the second round of the Coppa Italia since 2020/21.
The highlights of the game
| Catanzaro is knocking at the front. | The ball rolls to Petriccione on the edge of the FCS penalty area, whose curling shot whistles just past the top corner. Only a few seconds later, Bomber Iemello is played in inside the box, but his shot from a promising position is too weak. |
| FCS celebrates thanks to a dream goal | In the 17th minute, FC Südtirol scored their first goal of the 2026/27 season – and it couldn't have been more beautiful. Pyyhtiä took a free kick from about 20 meters and hammered the ball over the wall and into the net. |
| After the water break, Catanzaro snatches victory. | The cooling break disrupted FCS's rhythm – and promptly led to the equalizer. Pafundi converted a cross from D'Alessandro directly, giving goalkeeper Plizzari no chance whatsoever. |
| FCS's deficit | The hosts' second goal had been coming, but resulted from a truly dreadful misplaced pass. Tronchin made a blunder in the build-up play near his own penalty area, which sparked a Catanzaro attack. Goalkeeper Plizzari managed to parry the initial shot, but was powerless against the follow-up effort from club legend Iemmello. |
| Tronchin succeeds in getting his revenge. | Unlucky Tronchin tried to redeem himself, but his powerful 25-meter shot only hit the crossbar (62'). However, in the 85th minute, he finally set up Mixtur with a fantastic through ball, and the substitute remained ice-cold in front of goal to make it 2-2. |
| Plizzari becomes the penalty killer | Stivanello misses the first attempt, but his teammates can be relied upon – especially Plizzari. The goalkeeper saves two attempts and sends FCS into the second round! |
Curiously, there was no celebration after his final save. Video review intervened to check whether the FCS goalkeeper had been legally standing on his line. Shortly afterward, confirmation came that everything was in order – and the celebrations could begin. Following their successful start to the season, the Red and Whites will face Virtus Entella at home next Saturday in their first Serie B match (1:19.00 PM). SportNewslive ticker).
Catanzaro – FC Südtirol 3:4 iE (1:1, 2:2)
Catanzaro (3-4-2-1): Pigliacelli; Ruggero, Antonini, Verrengia; Candela, Mosti, Petriccione, Alessandro; Pafundi, Alesi; Iemmello.FCS (4-2-3-1): Plizzari; Federico Davi, Stivanello, Stabile, Veroli; Pyyhtia, Tronchin; Lopes, Vasic, Bjarkason; Burnet.
Gates: 0:1 Pyyhtiä (17th), 1:1 Pafundi (26th), 2:1 Iemmello (53rd), 2:2 Mixtur (85th)
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