Coppa Italia 2025-2026: Empoli-Reggiana, the likely lineups

The 2025/26 season officially kicks off for Empoli and Reggiana. Awaiting the start of the Serie B championship, the two teams are preparing to offer a taste of real soccer with their debut in the first round of the Italian Cup.

There are no points up for grabs, but an equally valuable goal: a pass to the next round, where the winner will find one of Vicenza or Genoa waiting for them. The kickoff whistle is set for Aug. 15 at 6 p.m.

The challenge, valid for the first round of the Coppa Italia, will be played at the Carlo Castellani stadium in Empoli. The facility, which opened in 1965, has been renovated several times, especially during the Tuscan club’s promotions to Serie A. Currently, the capacity is 16,800 seats.

Probable lineups:

Empoli (4-3-3): Fulignati; Moray, Guarino, Carboni, Ebuehi; Ignacchiti, Belardinelli, Moruzzi; Shpendi, Busiello, Popov.
Coach: Pagliuca.

Reggiana (3-4-2-1): Motta; Libutti, Papetti, Bonetti; Rover, Bertagnoli, Reinhart, Marras; Tavsan, Portanova; Gondo.
Coach: Dionigi.