A 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.