Italian Cup: All the Top Teams Win. Mastantuono Makes His Debut for Fiorentina

Parma, Cagliari, Monza, and Fiorentina lived up to their status as favorites and won their second-round Coppa Italia home games convincingly. The Crociati defeated Catania 2-0 thanks to a brace by the very young Simone Lontani, an 18-year-old forward who arrived from Milan, scoring in the 19th and 35th minutes off assists from El Bilal Touré. The Gialloblu will face the winner of Cremonese vs. Sampdoria in the round of 32.

Cagliari secured a narrow victory over Arezzo at the Unipol Domus. In a closely contested match, the Sardinians prevailed 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick by captain Deiola. New signing Daniel Maldini made his debut in the second half, while tempers flared in stoppage time and Pisacane was sent off for protesting after a nasty foul on the young player, who is following in his father’s footsteps. The Rossoblù will face the winner of Verona vs. Entella in the Round of 32.

Monza secured a decisive 3-0 home victory over Avellino. Juric’s team defeated Nesta’s side thanks to a brace by Varela in the 22nd and 45th minutes of the first half. Forson added the third goal in the second half. Cutrone put in a solid performance, providing two assists. The Brianza-based side will face either Torino or Carrarese next.

Fiorentina secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Benevento in Fabio Grosso’s team’s season debut at the Franchi. The Viola wrapped up the match with goals from Gudmundsson, Kean, Ranieri, and Ndour; Lamesta scored for the visitors. In the 58th minute, Franco Mastantuono made his official debut—the Argentine prospect on loan from Real Madrid, who turns 19 today. The player was greeted with a standing ovation. Fiorentina will face either Pisa or Empoli in the round of 32.

Results from Friday’s Coppa Italia matches
Parma-Catania 2-0
19′ Lontani (P), 35′ Lontani (P)
Cagliari-Arezzo 1-0
23′ (pen.) Deiola (C)
Monza-Avellino 3-0
22′ Varela (M), 45′ Varela (M), 51′ Forson (M)
Fiorentina vs. Benevento 4-1
2′ Gudmundsson (F), 35′ Kean (F), 48′ Ranieri (F), 50′ Ndour (F), Lamesta (B)