Last year’s finalists Florence can once again dream of the big time in the Coppa Italia. The first quarter-final of the season provided plenty of drama
Accentina fans can at least make a note of their tickets for the Olimpico. In the 2023 Coppa final, the Viola narrowly lost 2-1 to the big favorites Inter Milan, but this year the Nerazzurri can no longer shatter Fiorentina’s dream. Inter were sensationally defeated by Bologna in the round of 16 (1:2 after extra time).
And it was precisely this opponent that awaited them on Tuesday evening at the venerable Artemio Franchi. It was a battle of attrition right from the start. After 26 minutes, the home fans called for the first penalty, but Lucumi’s push against Ikoné was too little for a spot-kick. Eight minutes later, the home side were lucky not to fall behind: After fine preparatory work from Orsolini, Zirkzee danced past opponent Milenkovic – in the end, the crossbar saved for former Hertha keeper Christensen (34′).
After the break, the game became increasingly flat. Everything was crying out for extra time before a great chance for the lucky punch presented itself in the fifth minute of stoppage time. However, Martinez Quarta was unable to head the ball past Bologna keeper Skorupski
Zirkzee only hit aluminum again
In the first half of extra time, Zirkzee had the 1:0 on his feet, but only hit the far post from an acute angle (94′). After the break, Florence had another great opportunity, but Kayode’s header from inside the five-yard box went wide (109).
The game went to penalties – as Florence had already done in the round of 16 against second-division side Parma Calcio (4-1). There, the first eight shooters held their nerve. Then, however, former Hoffenheim player Posch stepped up to the spot. The 28-time Austrian international was too far behind and put the ball over the bar. Lopez did not miss this chance and sent Florence into the semi-finals with his tenth penalty of the evening
In the other three quarter-finals, Lazio and Roma and Milan and Bergamo will face each other on Wednesday, while Juve and Frosinone will determine the last semi-final participant on Thursday.
