Sampdoria were rescued by Emil Audero and VAR in a dramatic 1-0 Coppa Italia victory over Pippo Inzaghi’s Reggina, as the goalkeeper saved a last-gasp penalty.
The Blucerchiati came close, forcing saves with Ciccio Caputo’s header and a ferocious long-range Abdelhamid Sabiri free kick.
They broke the deadlock from the penalty spot with Sabiri after Manuel De Luca was brought down by Nicolò Pierozzi.
Serie B side Reggina thought they had equalised at the 79th minute with Lorenzo Crisetig’s looping header after a corner, but after a very long wait, VAR ruled it offside because of Emanuele Cicerelli’s position making the cross. The reason it took so long was that Cicerelli took the corner, a clearance hit Thiago Cionek on the head and therefore caught him offside.
VAR was involved again moments later when Tommaso Augello seemed to catch Pierozzi on the ankle in the box and referee Maria Sole Ferrieri Caputi awarded the penalty.
Reggina were all ready to equalise and force extra time, but Emil Audero at full stretch saved the Cicerelli spot-kick, confirming his ability to rescue Samp from dire situations.
It was a tight one, but Sampdoria will face either Venezia or Ascoli in the next round in October.
Sampdoria 1-0 Reggina
Sabiri pen 66 (S)
Saved penalty: Ciceretti 88 (R)