A bitter start to the season for FC Südtirol: In the first competitive match of the new season, coach Fabrizio Castori's team were beaten 3-1 by Como Calcio in the first main round of the Italian Cup. After a promising start and an early lead, a three-minute collapse shortly before half-time broke the back of the Whites' neck and sealed their cup exit.
Casiraghi ensures a tailor-made start
At the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia, FCS got off to a brave start against the Serie A newcomers coached by international star Cesc Fàbregas. The visitors took the lead as early as the 13th minute: After a foul on striker Pecorino in the penalty area, penalty specialist Daniele Casiraghi stepped up and converted with his usual confidence. It was the 17th consecutive penalty for the South Tyrolean number 17. The second-division side continued to play well and looked to be on course for a cup surprise.
Como turns the game around in 180 seconds
However, the game turned completely before the break. Como punished any carelessness in the FCS defense in the space of just three minutes. First, striker Anastasios Douvikas scored a brace (39', 40') to give the hosts the lead, before Lucas Da Cunha (42') put the finishing touches on the onslaught with a goal to make it 3:1. Como cleverly managed the result in the second half, while FCS were unable to find a way to hit back. Paolo Bordon's yellow card (88') rounded off a poor evening for the South Tyroleans, who will now focus on the league opener in Catanzaro.
