The Italian football season officially begins tonight with two matches in the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia.

Although Serie A and B are yet to commence, this evening marks the first two competitive matches of the 2026-27 season in Italy.

These matches constitute the preliminary round, determining which teams will advance to the main tournament.

The path is already set out, as the Coppa Italia features a draw similar to a tennis competition, incorporating seeds and rankings.

Inter secured the title last season after defeating Lazio 2-0 in the Final.

Coppa Italia season begins

The bracket for the 2026-27 edition of the Coppa Italia

This evening, Vicenza will face Catania at 19.00 UK time (20.00 CEST), while Ascoli takes on Potenza at 19.30 UK time (20.30 CEST).

The preliminary round concludes on Sunday with matches featuring Arezzo vs. Union Brescia and Benevento against Ravenna.

The winner of the Vicenza-Catania match will proceed to play Parma on August 14.

Meanwhile, the victors of Ascoli vs. Potenza will face Genoa in the First Round on August 16.

Arezzo or Union Brescia will compete against Cagliari on August 14, while either Benevento or Ravenna will challenge Fiorentina on the same evening.

The Italian football season officially kicks off tonight with two fixtures in the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia.

It is still a little while until Serie A and B begin, but this evening there will be the first two competitive matches of the 2026-27 season in Italy.

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They are the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia, to see who enters the tournament proper.

The path is already set out, as the Coppa Italia is drawn like a tennis competition with seeds and ranking.

It was won by Inter last season, beating Lazio 2-0 in the Final.

Coppa Italia season begins

The bracket for the 2026-27 edition of the Coppa Italia

Vicenza will host Catania at 19.00 UK time (20.00 CEST), while Ascoli take on Potenza at 19.30 UK time (20.30 CEST).

The round concludes on Sunday with Arezzo vs. Union Brescia, and Benevento against Ravenna.

Whoever wins Vicenza-Catania can then play Parma on August 14.

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The winners of Ascoli vs. Potenza will go on to face Genoa in the First Round on August 16.

Arezzo or Union Brescia will play Cagliari on August 14, while either Benevento or Ravenna will be up against Fiorentina that same evening.