Milan out as Catania cause cup upset
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
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AC Milan were knocked out of the Italian Cup by Calcio Catania as AS Roma's hopes of defending their title were kept alive after a comeback against Torino FC.
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European Champions AC Milan will not be adding the 2007/08 Italian Cup to their trophy cabinet after they were knocked out in the last 16 by Calcio Catania, but AS Roma's title defence goes on following a comeback to end Torino FC's hopes.
Milan upset
Having been beaten 2-1 at San Siro in December's first leg, Milan knew they had it all to do in the return against Catania and the task was made more difficult when Juan Vargas scored after 12 minutes. The visitors did find an equaliser through Alberto Paloschi midway through the second half but it was not enough as Catania held on for a 3-2 aggregate triumph in a match that ended with both sides down to ten men.
Udinese drama
Catania's prize is a quarter-final meeting with Udinese Calcio, who eliminated US Città di Palermo in dramatic fashion – the only goal of the tie coming in added time from Antonio Flores. Also into the last eight are last season's winners Roma, who fought back from a 3-1 first leg deficit to overcome Torino 5-3 on aggregate in the Italian capital. Mancini, Ludovic Giuly and two goals from Francesco Totti helped Roma earn a tie against UC Sampdoria, who also came from behind to win 4-1 over two legs against Cagliari Calcio.
Pazzini double
The only other game of the night took place in Florence where ACF Fiorentina beat Serie B side Ascoli Calcio 1898 2-0 to secure a 3-1 aggregate win. Giampaolo Pazzini scored both goals for the UEFA Cup contenders who now look forward to a quarter-final against either S.S. Lazio or SSC Napoli. That tie and the only other remaining last-16 game – between FC Internazionale Milano and Reggina Calcio – take place on Thursday.