Coppa Italia: Samp hit three at Crotone to advance
Sampdoria’s first competitive match of the season ended with a victory, as the Blucerchiati came back from a goal down to win 3-1 away at Crotone, in what was the team’s first win in the south of Italy since 2012. Goals from Gianluca Caprari, Fabio Quagliarella and Gonzalo Maroni were enough to see Doria into the fourth round of the Coppa Italia.
Eusebio Di Francesco’s first competitive game in charge did not get off to the best start, as Salvatore Molina gave the home side an early advantage. The winger escaped in behind the Samp back-line from the left and fired past Emil Audero at his near post after 8 minutes.
Doria had to weather further attacking pressure from Crotone, who went close on several occasions to doubling their lead. However the hosts were punished as Caprari drew the away team level on 37 minutes. He collected Ronaldo Vieira’s searching diagonal ball forward before slotting it home sumptuously.
Things went from bad to worse for the Serie B side, when Nicola Murru was brought down just inside the penalty area. The referee awarded the penalty and Quagliarella was as reliable as ever from 12 yards, firing powerfully into the net on 42 minutes.
Passage to the next round was made safe by Maroni, who struck within moments of replacing Caprari with around one hour played. The Argentinian headed home from close range after Bartosz Bereszynski’s ball into the area.
Serie A now beckons for Di Francesco’s side, who will face Lazio in a week’s time. They will be up against Cagliari on their return to cup action in December.
Crotone 1-3 Sampdoria (HT: 1-2)
Scorers: Molina 8, Caprari 37, Quagliarella (pen.) 42, Maroni 60.
Crotone (3-5-2): Cordaz; Cuomo, Golemic, Gigliotti; Rutten (Mustacchio 62), Benali, Barberis (Zak 66), Zanellato (Gomelt 81), Molina; Messias, Nanni.
Subs not used: Figliuzzi, Festa, Bellodi, Crociata, Itrak, Kargbo, Evan’s, Panza, Mariani.
Coach: Stroppa
Sampdoria (4-3-3): Audero; Bereszynski, Murillo, Colley, Murru; Linetty (Gabbiadini 85), Vieira, Jankto; Ramírez (Ekdal 70), Quagliarella, Caprari (Maroni 59).
Subs not used: Falcone, Augello, Chabot, Barreto, Bonazzoli, Depaoli, Thorsby, Ferrari, Léris.
Coach: Di Francesco.
Referee: Sacchi (Macerata).
Assistants: Longo (Paola) and Santoro (Catania).
Fourth official: Robilotta (Sala Consilina).
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