Bolzano – FC Südtirol kicked off the new competitive season with a win. Coach Davide Possanzini’s White-and-Reds prevailed 6–5 in an away match against last year’s playoff finalist US Catanzaro in the first round of the Coppa Italia Frecciarossa after a thrilling penalty shootout. After 90 minutes and extra time, the score was tied 2–2 at Stadio Nicola Ceravolo, before goalkeeper Giacomo Plizzari emerged as the match-winner in the penalty shootout, securing the team’s advancement to the round of 32.
The match got off to a promising start for FCS. After weathering the early pressure, Pyyhtiä put Bolzano ahead in the 17th minute with a spectacular free kick from about 25 meters out. However, Catanzaro equalized in the 27th minute through Pafundi and even took the lead in the 53rd minute thanks to Iemmello. In the closing stages, FC Südtirol showed resilience: Substitute Mixtur scored in the 85th minute off an assist from Tronchin to tie the game at 2–2, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Plizzari Becomes the Penalty Kick Hero
In the decisive penalty shootout, Stivanello was the first to miss for FCS. But the rest of the Possanzini squad’s shooters converted their attempts with confidence. On the other end, goalkeeper Plizzari stopped the penalty kicks by Frosinini and Dorval—both aimed at the lower left corner—thereby sealing the victory and FC Südtirol’s advancement. In the round of 32, FCS will face the winner of the match between Genoa and Ascoli, which takes place on Monday, August 16. Captain Tait and his team will resume training at the FCS Center on Monday, August 17, to prepare for the start of the 2026/27 Serie BKT season. FC Südtirol will play its first league match on Saturday, August 22, at 7:00 p.m. at home at Drusus Stadium against Virtus Entella.
