Simone Zanon celebrated a successful debut. © Pisa Sporting Club

Simone Zanon and a perfect start

Simone Zanon made his competitive debut for his new club Pisa on Monday evening. They won on penalties.

August 17, 2026

From: dl

Many signs pointed to Zanon making the jump to Serie A this summer. Ultimately, the 24-year-old from Sinich transferred to relegated Pisa, who are aiming for promotion this year. On Monday evening, Pisa won the derby at home against local and league rivals Empoli 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes.

Zanon was immediately included in the starting lineup of his new club and has integrated well. Playing in a 4-3-3 system, the South Tyrolean occupied the role of right-back and played the full 90 minutes. As usual, Zanon, who has developed into one of the best players in Serie B at Carrarese, joined the attack.

De Luca also wins.

Manuel De Luca also advanced past the first round of the Coppa Italia with Cremonese. The player from Pfatt, who only returned to the relegated club in the summer, was substituted on after 54 minutes in his comeback match for Cremonese against his former club Sampdoria. In the end, the team from Cremona won 2-0 against their Serie B rivals at the Drusus Stadium in Bolzano (the match was moved there).

Palermo also advanced to the second round with the help of their fans. © Palermo FC

In the later evening match, Palermo, who completed their preseason training in Val Gardena, beat Serie A club Lecce 2-0. The Rosaneri are determined to return to Italy's top flight in their second year under coach Filippo Inzaghi. The euphoria and anticipation for the season were certainly palpable at the Stadio Renzo-Barbera on Monday evening.

Coppa Italia: Monday's matches

Pisa – Empoli 1:1 (4:3 on penalties)
1:0 Marras (44th), 1:1 Saporiti (61st)

Sassuolo – Cesena 3:0
1:0 Volpato (13th), 2:0 Adzic (45th), 3:0 Lipani (75th)

Cremonese – Sampdoria 2:0
1:0 Stuckler (23rd), 2:0 Berti (93rd)

Palermo – Lecce 2:0
1:0 Vavassori (15th), 2:0 Pohjanpalo (42nd)