Genoa vs Sudtirol - Coppa Italia

All eyes turn to the home ground on September 15, 2026 as Genoa welcome Sudtirol in a Coppa Italia encounter that promises tension, intrigue and no shortage of subplot. Rush will take over under centre for the Falcons as they prepare to face the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, with the team’s quarterback situation taking an unexpected turn heading into the season opener.

There is plenty riding on this Coppa Italia encounter for Genoa and Sudtirol alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. Genoa will be keen to seize the initiative and build some momentum on home soil. The visitors will back themselves to cause problems and will not make the trip expecting an easy afternoon. The player had scored the equaliser away to Lyon before winning the penalty that secured the three points.

The touchline duel between the two managers adds another layer of intrigue, with both likely to tweak their setups in search of a decisive edge. And there are still question marks even in attack, where they have an abundance of supporting forwards including Mbeumo, Cunha and Amad Diallo, but only one out-and-out striker in Sesko.

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. How each side deals with the other's danger men — and who takes their chances when they come — will be central to the outcome. Marcus Rashford in action for Manchester United after his return to the club(Image: Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Napoli have made an enquiry over Manchester United forward Joshua Zirkzee this summer.

With the sides closely matched, the outcome may well hinge on which team takes its chances on the day. Neither side holds a clear edge, and a 1-1 draw would be a fitting reflection of the balance between them. Whatever the outcome, the Coppa Italia fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. 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.