Fiorentina vs Benevento - Coppa Italia

All eyes turn to Stadio Ciro Vigorito on August 14, 2026 as Fiorentina welcome Benevento in a Coppa Italia encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. The spectacle was once again on show ahead of Nice’s Europa League clash with AS Roma on Thursday, but what was supposed to be a display of power and pride quickly turned into a far more comical scene.

There is plenty riding on this Coppa Italia encounter for Fiorentina and Benevento alike, and neither will want to leave Stadio Ciro Vigorito empty-handed. Fiorentina will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will travel in the hope that a change of scene can spark a turnaround, whatever the form book says. Adam Bate examines Joao Moutinho's extraordinary longevity as the Braga midfielder turns 40 years old In Portugal, Sporting also dropped points late in the game as they conceded in stoppage time at Famalicao despite the home side being down to 10 men.

Tactically, the contest promises a fascinating contrast. Fiorentina will look to impose their style on home soil, while Benevento are likely to have ideas of their own about how to gain the upper hand. The 29-year-old ranked 4th in strokes gained approach in 2026, and he has finished outside the top four in that specific category only once in the seven full seasons he has played on the PGA Tour.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman J. Pohjanpalo, whose 3 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. But so impressive was the midfielder in that win at Auxerre that 11 senior starts later the now 20-year-old midfielder has signed for Newcastle for £35.5m – and some consider it a bargain.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. The signals point towards a stalemate, with the two sides closely matched across form and standings. A 1-1 draw is easy to envisage. The ramifications of this result could ripple through the Coppa Italia standings for weeks to come, regardless of who comes out on top. Manchester City will begin another Premier League season with major uncertainty hanging over the club after league chief executive Richard Masters admitted the long-awaited verdict on their financial case has taken longer than expected.