Another Serie A team is eliminated from the Coppa Italia: Verona defeats Cagliari
Verona defeated Cagliari 2-1 with goals from Harroui and Mulattieri, advancing to the round of 16 of the 2026-2027 Coppa Italia.
Verona came out strong in the first 5 minutes, threatening Radunovic’s goal twice but failing to get a shot on target. Cagliari, fielding a lineup completely different from the one used in their first two league matches, appeared to struggle, particularly in building up play.
Verona capitalized in the 23rd minute through Harroui: Radunovic instinctively blocked the shot with his feet but couldn’t prevent the goal. Cagliari responded in the 29th minute with close-range attempts by Felici and Ciervo, and especially with a shot by Rodriguez that Perilli deflected for a corner. The game remained largely even until the 45th minute, when Felici dribbled past two Verona defenders, entered the box, but was forced into a corner by the defense.
In the second half, both teams made some changes, but it was Cagliari that gained the upper hand. In the 56th minute, Mendy equalized with a fine volley off a cross from Fadera. The match proceeded with few highlights until the 80th minute. Ciervo had an excellent chance, but his shot was forgettable, while Verona was unable to get near Radunovic’s goal again. A burst of speed by Maldini in the 82nd minute brought Cagliari very close to taking the lead, but the Verona defense held firm.
Just as the Rossoblù were playing their best soccer, however, Mulattieri stole the ball on the right, found himself one-on-one with Radunovic, and beat him with a powerful low shot: in the 86th minute, it was 2-1 for the Gialloblù. Cagliari fought back and nearly equalized again through Mendy and Adopo, but Verona held firm against the Sardinian pressure. The final chance fell to Deiola, whose shot was deflected for a corner by a Verona defender. Radunovic even made a run into the Gialloblù box for the final play, but it was too late: Verona won and advanced to the round of 16.
Article by Daniele Caruso
