Welcome to Italy, where nothing much of consequence happens in the domestic cup for the first four months, then all of a sudden, teams play about 12 games within the span of a week. Then the winners of this round go on to play the first leg of the semi-finals only to, for some unknown reason, wait until April to play the second.
Coppa Italia quarter-finals: Preview and Schedule
The quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia bring a revenge match, a derby, and the chance for struggling sides to prove themselves.
Makes perfect sense, yes?
Eight teams remain, with this round bringing some tasty matchups.
Tuesday, January 21
It’s the perfect time for Roma to get their own back over Juve, after the Old Lady beat them 3-0 in the league just a couple weeks ago. Sure, Juventus are on a 12 game winning streak in the league, but Roma are meant to be putting the giants in their place. Surely they can do it at home on Tuesday?
Wednesday, January 22
Udinese might be struggling in the league, sitting just three points above the relegation zone, but it's been predicted they'll win the Coppa this year. First, though, they're going to have to get past Clarence Seedorf, who's likely got a point to prove with his Milan side.
Thursday, January 23
Fiorentina vs. Siena
9 p.m. CET, 3 p.m. ET at the Stadio Artemio Franchi, Florence
The biggest mystery of this match? Why it's fifteen minutes later than the others. Yes, Siena have made it through the last three rounds by beating Serie A sides - but those sides were Livorno, Bologna and Catania. So whether they actually beat Serie A quality sides is up for debate. Now they must face rivals Fiorentina, whose quality is undisputed. This is a team that can even get Alessandro Matri to score, so Siena better watch out.
Wednesday, January 29
Is this game delayed so Edy Reja can focus on beating Juventus this week? We may never know. At first blush this looks like an easy win for Napoli, particularly at home, but now that Reja is starting to right the sinking biancocelesti ship, it could prove difficult for the hosts.
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