The Coppa Italia has returned for the 2025–26 season, bringing with it the drama, unpredictability, and high-stakes football that make Italy’s cup competition so compelling.
Fresh from Bologna’s stunning triumph in 2024–25 — their first in over half a century — anticipation is high to see whether another underdog can upset the odds or if the traditional giants will reassert their dominance.
With the draw already setting up mouth-watering potential clashes, fans are eagerly mapping possible pathways to the Stadio Olimpico final in May 2026.
From established powerhouses to ambitious outsiders, every club enters with a dream — and the knockout format means anything can happen.
2025–26 Coppa Italia: Format and draw structure
Format overview
- The 2025–26 edition—the 79th—began on 9 August 2025 and will wrap up with the final on 13 May 2026.
- 44 teams participate: 20 from Serie A, 20 from Serie B, and 4 from Serie C.
The structure:
- Preliminary rounds to whittle down lower-tier clubs.
- Round of 16: Entry for top 8 Serie A teams (seeded), one-match knockouts.
- Quarter-finals: Single-leg eliminations.
- Semi-finals: Two-legged.
- Final: Single match at Stadio Olimpico.
Key dates:
- Preliminary round: 9–10 August 2025
- Round of 16: 2–18 December 2025
- Quarter-finals: 3–12 February 2026
- Semi-finals: First legs early March; return legs late April
- Final: 13 May 2026
Draw Dynamics
While a full bracket is available, coverage highlights certain early-round trends:
- Teams like Napoli, Lazio, and others may face each other as early as the Round of 16.
- Clubs such as Juventus, Fiorentina, Bologna, Atalanta appear clustered in the same bracket side, potentially leading to mid-tournament showdowns.
Possible final combinations
Given the seeding and structure, the final could potentially feature any pairing of the top-eight seeds — such as:
- Juventus vs Napoli
- Roma vs Lazio
- Inter vs Milan
- Juventus vs Inter
But if lower-seeded or upset-driven teams advance (e.g., Empoli, Monza), they could break through to face top-tier clubs.
Essentially, any two of the eight seeded teams—or a surprise qualifier—could contest the final.
Who are the favourites?
Traditionally, the top Serie A teams—especially those that finished in the top eight and thus enter later—are favorites:
- Juventus, Napoli, Inter, Milan
- Plus strong contenders like Roma, Atalanta, Fiorentina, Lazio
These clubs benefit from later entry (fewer early rounds), squad depth, and knockout experience.
Potential surprises
Bright dark horses include clubs outside the standard elite:
- Big spending Como are ones to watch!
- Recent examples: Empoli ousted Juventus in 2024–25.
- Underdogs with solid momentum like Monza, Frosinone, or Empoli could cause early upsets.
- Fatigue from league or European commitments can also open paths for surprises.
- Strategic managers—like Vincenzo Italiano with Bologna—have upended expectations before.
Conclusion
The 2025–26 Coppa Italia promises a blend of expected heavyweight clashes and the potential for another fairy-tale run, just as Bologna delivered last season.
With a bracket that could pit giants against each other early, opportunities will open for ambitious outsiders to seize the spotlight.
While Juventus, Napoli, Inter, and Milan remain the bookmakers’ favourites, recent history shows that tactical nous, squad depth, and seizing the moment can outweigh reputation.
Fans should be ready for a tournament where the script might be flipped — and where the next great Coppa Italia shock could already be taking shape.
