Hellas Verona beat Cagliari 2-1 in the Coppa Italia, absorbing long spells of pressure before making their more direct approach count. Cagliari controlled 61% possession and produced 14 shots to Verona’s nine, while their 1.47 xG marginally exceeded the visitors’ 1.24, but the away side were sharper in the decisive areas. Verona placed five attempts on target, one more than Cagliari, and converted two of them, whereas Cagliari’s goal came from Paul Mendy. Both teams used 4-2-3-1 systems, yet the contest developed around Cagliari’s territorial control against Verona’s ability to threaten efficiently without the ball. Cagliari’s goalkeeper saved 60% of the five shots on target faced; Verona’s keeper stopped 75% of four, a small but important difference in a one-goal tie. The shot volumes suggest Cagliari sustained pressure, but Verona managed the game effectively when defending their penalty area and took their opportunities. Verona advance in the Coppa Italia.