Ascoli vs Potenza - Coppa Italia

The history between Ascoli and Potenza lends this Coppa Italia fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca on August 8, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. Manchester United play in Gothenburg on Saturday as they take on Paris-Saint Germain in their fourth pre-season fixture.

There is plenty riding on this Coppa Italia encounter for Ascoli and Potenza alike, and neither will want to leave Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca empty-handed. Ascoli will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. Potenza's away form is hard to read, but they will arrive with the belief that they can trouble their hosts. Man Utd have still accumulated the most points across the league since his return in January.

The tactical subplot is compelling: Ascoli favour a possession-based game built on patience and control, while Potenza are happiest sitting deep and exploding forward on the counter — a classic contrast of philosophies. That radar allows City to retain control, momentum and possession in games, pinning opponents back in the tempered style Guardiola favoured.

Individual quality could tip the balance. The league's leading scorer J. Pohjanpalo, with 3 goals to his name this season, is a reminder of the firepower on display. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. City are also keen on a young striker to develop behind Erling Haaland and offer a different option and are one of the clubs keen on Eli Junior Kroupi, who Bournemouth say is not for sale.

Without the market to lean on, the contest feels genuinely open — and the outcome may come down to which side handles the occasion better. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. More than just three points is on the line at Stadio Cino e Lillo Del Duca — this is a fixture that could shape the narrative of both clubs' seasons. Joe Gomez is expected to miss the start of Liverpool's Premier League campaign through injury - but it is not likely to impact the Reds' transfer plans.