Napoli booked their spot in the quarter-finals in true thriller fashion. Antonio Conte’s side took the lead before half-time with a precise header from Lucca and largely controlled the tempo of the game. However, Cagliari mounted a fierce response in the second half. The introduction of Esposito sparked the visitors, and he found the equalizer in the 67th minute, sending the match into a tense, drawn-out duel.

The penalty shootout became a test of nerves: both sides converted almost flawlessly, until Luwumbo faltered at the decisive moment. Napoli triumphed 10–9, securing their place in the quarter-finals where they will face the winner of the Fiorentina vs Como tie.

2025-26, Coppa Italia

Napoli - Cagliari 1:1 (1:0), shoot-out 9:8
Goals: Lucca L., 28 (1:0); Esposito Se., 67 (1:1)

Napoli: Milinkovic-Savic V.; Juan Jesus; Olivera M. (Lang N., 74); Mazzocchi (Buongiorno, 68); Beukema; Politano; Spinazzola; Elmas; Vergara A. (Neres, 74); Lucca L. (Höjlund R., 68); Ambrosino (McTominay, 61)
Substitution: McTominay (from 61); Buongiorno (from 68); Höjlund R. (from 68); Lang N. (from 74); Neres (from 74)
Bench: Contini N.; Ferrante; Rrahmani Am.; Di Lorenzo; Lobotka

Cagliari: Caprile; Luperto; Rodríguez J. (Idrissi, 61); Di Pardo; Obert; Adopo; Gaetano G. (Esposito Se., 56); Deiola (Felici, 85); Kılıçsoy (Prati, 56); Pavoletti (Borrelli, 55); Luvumbo
Substitution: Borrelli (from 55); Prati (from 56); Esposito Se. (from 56); Idrissi (from 61); Felici (from 85)
Bench: Ciocci; Radunović B.; Zappa; Rog M.; Cavuoti; Liteta
Yellow Cards: Luperto 22; Prati 80