Serie A titleholders Napoli narrowly avoided an early exit in the Napoli Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Wednesday. Antonio Conte’s squad required a dramatic penalty shootout to eliminate a determined Cagliari side, eventually triumphing 9-8 after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The match at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona began with promise for the hosts. Lorenzo Lucca opened the scoring in the 28th minute, giving Napoli an early advantage. However, the home side failed to capitalize further, allowing the visitors to gain momentum.
Shootout Heroics Save the Champions
Cagliari equalized in the second half through Sebastiano Esposito, forcing the match directly into penalties. The shootout quickly became a test of nerves.
The tension peaked when Cagliari’s Mattia Felici struck the crossbar, giving Napoli an opening. However, Brazilian forward David Neres saw his potential match-winning spot-kick saved by goalkeeper Elia Caprile.
The contest extended into sudden death, reaching the 10th round. Napoli goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic emerged as the hero, producing a vital save against Zito Luvumbo. Defender Alessandro Buongiorno then coolly converted the decisive penalty, sending the champions through to the last eight.
Quarter-Finals and Other Results
Napoli will face the winner of the upcoming clash between Como and Fiorentina in the quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Atalanta demonstrated ruthless efficiency with a 4-0 demolition of Genoa. The victory secured their passage to the next stage. Meanwhile, the Round of 16 continues with Inter Milan hosting Venezia, while Bologna prepares to face Parma on Thursday.
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