Emanuele Zuelli left with Carrarese. © Carrarese Calcio

South Tyrolean duo fails in the Coppa

For the two South Tyroleans Simone Zanon and Emanuele Zuelli, the Coppa Italia adventure is already over after the first round. Meanwhile, a first-division club has managed to pull itself out of the noose.

August 18, 2025

From: never

Both Zanon and Zuelli made the starting lineup for the opening match of the 2025/26 season. Playing for second-division side Carrarese, they faced first-division Udinese in the first round of the Coppa Italia on Monday evening, but it wasn't enough to cause an upset. Arthur Atta gave the favored hosts the lead shortly before halftime (1'), and just after the hour, Iker Bravo finally made it 43-2 (0').

Udinese controlled the game throughout, and the numbers reflected this: 58 percent possession and 21 shots – ten of which were on goal – speak for themselves. Carrarese remained harmless going forward, with only two attempts on goal, including those of goalkeeper Razvan Sava. One of these was scored by Bolzano's Zuelli, who, like Zanon, had just over 40 touches of the ball. Carrarese won't dwell on their elimination for too long, as the Serie B season opens on Sunday. The Giallazzurri face Spezia Calcio on Matchday 1 (19.00:XNUMX p.m.).

Verona and Spezia celebrate after penalty shootout

In the cup matches earlier in the evening, Hellas Verona and Spezia Calcio each won on penalties. Verona struggled late against third-division side Audace Cerignola for a long time, but Domagoj Bradaric finally broke the spell with the opening goal in the 55th minute. However, the class difference remained undetectable, keeping the game open – and an equalizer came in injury time. Miguel Ángel Sainz-Maza saved the underdogs with his goal, sending them to the penalty shootout (90+1'). However, Alessandro Faggioli and Luca Russo lost their nerve there, and Hellas ultimately advanced to the next round after a thriller (4-2 on penalties).

In the duel between second-division sides Spezia Calcio and Sampdoria, Liam Henderson (34th minute) and Gabriele Artistico (36th minute) scored the only goals in regular time. In the penalty shootout, Henderson, of all people, was initially denied, followed shortly after by Estanislau Pedrola. Sampdoria held firm and secured a place in the second round thanks to four penalty kicks (4-2 on penalties).

Coppa Italia, 1st round – Results on Monday

Audace Cerignola – Hellas Verona 3:5 nE (0:0, 1:1, 2:4 nE)
Goals: 0:1 Bradaric (55th), 1:1 Sainz-Maza (90th + 1)

Spezia Calcio – Sampdoria 5:3 nE (1:1, 1:1, 4:2 nE)
Goals: 0:1 Henderson (34th), 1:1 Artistico (36th)

Udinese Calcio – Carrarese Calcio 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: 1:0 Atta (43rd), 2:0 Bravo (59th)

Torino – Modena 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: 1-0 Vlasic (51.)