The Coppa Italia shocks keep coming, as Bari stunned 10-man Hellas Verona 4-1 at the Bentegodi, while Venezia capitulated in a 3-2 thriller with Ascoli.
The surprises have already been flowing in the first round of the tournament, as last night Empoli were knocked out by SPAL in extra time and Lecce were also eliminated by Cittadella.
Verona had started strong today with Kevin Lasagna opening the scoring 16 minutes in, but Michael Folorunsho’s header drew level.
Walid Cheddira started his astonishing game just before half-time, finding the bottom corner from a Leonardo Benedetti assist, then converted a penalty for Martin Hongla’s foul.
Marco Davide Faraoni saw red for his part in a scuffle and Cheddira completed his hat-trick.
Bari will go on to play either Salernitana or Parma in the second round in October.
It was an all-Serie B clash at the Stadio Penzo and Venezia were decimated by a COVID-19 outbreak within the squad.
Dario Saric fired in after a corner, followed by Marcello Falzerano turning in from close range on an Amato Ciciretti assist.
The Lagunari completed a remarkable comeback in the space of 90 seconds with a brace from Hilmir Rafn Mikaelsson.
However, they were so excited at the turnaround that they lost concentration and Anthony Fontana’s effort was deflected in off Noah Baudouin for Ascoli’s 3-2 victory.
Ascoli will play Sampdoria in the next round.
Venezia 2-3 Ascoli
Saric 35 (A), Falzerano 70 (A), Mikaelsson 88, 89 (V), Fontana 91 (A)
Verona 1-4 Bari
Lasagna 16 (V), Folorunsho 30 (B), Cheddira 44, pen 53, 78 (B)