Coppa Italia: Parma win on Lontani debut, Cagliari beat Arezzo
Quick summary
Parma recorded a perfect result in the Coppa Italia debut of player Lontani, while Cagliari defeated Arezzo in the first round.
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Attributed to original sourceA star was born for Parma, who beat Catania 2-0 in the Coppa Italia First Round thanks to ex-Milan teenager Simone Lontani’s sensational brace, while Cagliari squeezed past Arezzo 1-0.
The Ducali will go on to face either Cremonese or Sampdoria in the Second Round of the tournament.
Cagliari are going to play either Verona or Virtus Entella.
Coppa Italia wins for Parma and Cagliari ROME, ITALY – MAY 12: The Coppa Italia Trophy during the Coppa Italia Final press conference at Stadio Olimpico on May 12, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images) These were the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 Italian football season , as the competition started proper following a brief preliminary round for the Serie C teams.
Lontani was given his first ever professional match at senior level and immediately scored two great goals to give Parma the victory over Catania.
The 18-year-old had come up through the Milan youth academy, but left as a free agent to join Parma in July.
PARMA, ITALY – AUGUST 14: Simone Lontani of Parma Calcio celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal with his teammates during the Coppa Italia match between Parma Calcio and Catania FC at Ennio Tardini on August 14, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) An Italy Under-19 international, he flicked in the finish off the outside of the boot from a knocked down corner after 19 minutes at the Stadio Tardini.
His second goal arrived before half-time, meeting the cross from El Bilal Toure with a smart scissor-kick volley at the back post.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MAY 03: Fabio Pisacane head coach of Cagliari Calcio during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and Cagliari Calcio at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on May 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) In the other match, Cagliari had a tough time breaking down Arezzo , only winning 1-0 thanks to a penalty.
The Sardinians were unlucky, hitting the upright twice with Yael Trepy and then Alessandro Deiola.
Rodriguez was brought down and Deiola stepped up, seeing his spot-kick saved by Nunziante.
However, it had to be retaken due to encroachment, and he converted at the second time of asking.
The referee had awarded another penalty to Arezzo for Ze Pedro’s foul, but changed his mind after the VAR review because it was Sala who kicked the Cagliari man instead.
All Fixtures Played Live All Favourites 0 Coppa Italia 17:00 Parma 2 - 0 Catania 17:30 Cagliari 1 - 0 Arezzo 19:45 Monza Live 0 - 0 Avellino 20:15 Fiorentina vs Benevento
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What happened
The first round of the Coppa Italia saw Parma enjoy a successful outing on the debut of Lontani, securing a win in their opening cup fixture. Elsewhere, Cagliari advanced past Arezzo with a victory. Both results mark comfortable starts for the two Serie A sides in the domestic cup competition, with progression to the next round confirmed.
Chance analysis
Coppa Italia first-round results involving Serie A clubs against lower-division opposition are typically routine, but debuts and early-season cup form can indicate squad depth and rotation readiness. Lontani's debut for Parma is a noteworthy development for the player's integration, while comfortable wins suggest both clubs can manage fixture congestion early in the season.
Parma and Cagliari progress in Coppa Italia; no significant change to league outlook expected.
Routine cup wins for Serie A sides against lower-tier opponents have minimal impact on league predictions but indicate squad depth.