The first three quarter-final meetings in this year’s Coppa Italia took place this midweek and threw up some shock results.
Firstly on Tuesday night, the top two in Serie A drew the battle lines once more, this time in the capital city as the Giallorossi looked for a measure of revenge for the 3-0 defeat inflicted on them in Serie A.
Federico Peluso thought he had given them the lead just after the break but that goal was correctly ruled out after the ball swirled out of play before it arrived on to his head.
Twelve minutes from time, influential substitute Miralem Pjanic fed Kevin Strootman who in turn crossed for Gervinho and his deft flick flew past Marco Storari to send them into the semi-finals once again.
On Tuesday night, Mario Balotelli gave the Rossoneri a lead when Clarence Seedorf’s side took on Udinese at San Siro as things continued to look rosy at San Siro.
Then disaster struck. Before half time, Urby Emanuelson was penalised for a foul in the penalty area and Luis Muriel’s low kick just about found the back of the net.
The Zebrette were worthy of the win and they got it in the second half when sub Nico Lopez, full of youthful exuberance, ran at the Diavolo defence before firing a sumptuous low left-footed drive into the corner of the net.
Siena were aiming to make it three successive surprise wins against Fiorentina but got off to the worst start when Josip Ilicic capitalised on a defensive error to put them ahead.
Guillermo Giacomazzi levelled matters with a second half header before Marvin Compper headed home a corner kick to set up a semi-final date with the Friuliani.
Holders Lazio meet Napoli next week with the chance to set up another Coppa Italia Derby della Capitale on the cards when they play next Wednesday.
