The 2014 Viareggio Cup round of 16 fixtures were filled with goals and shocking results including the exit of Italian powerhouses Juventus and Inter.
Hellas Verona were reduced to 10 men but overcame a Juventus side automatically placed in the knockout rounds in a tactical battle and advanced on penalty kicks after neither side were able to find the net in 120 minutes of play. Mastini goal keeper Daniele Borra was the hero saving the first two Bianconeri spot-kicks while Verona was perfect from the 11-metre mark.
Inter faced the toughest task of the day in a back and forth affair against defending champions Andrelecht. The Belgian side fell behind early but jumped to a 3-1 lead and their experience saw them through as they hung on and advanced with a 4-3 victory over Inter.
Livorno went out at the hands of Fiorentina with a quick goal in the game’s initial stages before a red card against Amaranto defender Marco Stoppini awarded the Viola a penalty kick. It was smooth sailing for Fiorentina as they were able to dominate possession and put two more into the net to advance to the quarterfinals.
Parma striker Alberto Cerri netted a hat trick in the Ducali’s 4-1 victory over Torino raising his tally to five for the tournament. Cerri bagged two headers before capping his night with a traditional finish in the game’s closing moments.
Milan fell behind in the opening minutes giving up a penalty against Croatian side Rijeka. The Rossoneri entered the tournament at the elimination phase and were determined to continue their stay. Milan mounted a second-half comeback scoring three goals including two from Slovenian midfielder Zan Benedicic.
In a match where both coaches were sent off, Palermo downed Empoli 1-0 on the strength of an early strike from Rosanero striker Sergio Cucchiara.
Atalanta booked their place in the quarterfinals in impressive fashion trouncing Paraguayan side Club Nacional 3-0. Orobici striker Faisal Bangal scored and missed a penalty before netting his second goal.
The quarterfinal match ups are set and the Coppa Carnevale will resume on Thursday as the teams aim for a spot in the semi-finals. Italian clubs are represented in each match including two all-Italian affairs.
Fiorentina – Parma
Milan – Envigado
Hellas Verona – Palermo
Anderlecht – Atalanta
