ACR Messina into the round of 16: three against Messana Riviera secure qualification

The Giallorossi win the Coppa Italia Eccellenza first-round return leg 3–0. Burzio, Sarao and Bollino seal victory at the Franco Scoglio.

ACR Messina also win the return leg against Messana Riviera and secure a place in the regional Coppa Italia Eccellenza round of 16. After their 4–1 first-leg victory, Alfio Torrisi’s side prevail 3–0 at the Franco Scoglio, completing a 7–1 aggregate win.

The match remains evenly balanced throughout a first half in which both teams create promising chances. Messana Riviera start bravely and almost take the lead in the 3rd minute when Di Vita tries to surprise Coco with a lob but misses the target.

ACR Messina respond by relying above all on their quality from set pieces. Kragl tests Quartarone directly from a free kick and soon afterwards threatens with a header from Sartore’s cross. Bonanno then tries his luck from distance without breaking the deadlock.

The best chance of the first half falls to Messana Riviera. In the 28th minute Ventra cuts inside from the right and curls a shot against the crossbar. The same player threatens again a few minutes later, but Coco has the situation under control. The teams therefore go in at half-time with the score at 0–0.

The match changes immediately after the restart. Torrisi introduces Burzio and Zampa, and it is Burzio who opens the scoring in the 48th minute: from Kragl’s corner, the striker gets ahead of the defence and directs a precise header into the net.

The second goal arrives just three minutes later. Kragl again delivers a dangerous set piece and Sarao completes the move with a volley that gives Quartarone no chance. The Giallorossi’s quick double decisively shapes the match and puts qualification beyond doubt.

As the minutes pass, both coaches make changes and the pace drops. Messana Riviera try to respond, while Messina manage their lead and continue to control possession.

Late on, Palumbo is brought down in the area and the referee awards a penalty. Bollino finds the corner from the spot to make it 0–3 and complete ACR Messina’s victory.

The final whistle confirms a place in the Coppa Italia Eccellenza round of 16. Two wins in the tie, seven goals scored and an authoritative qualification provide an important confidence boost ahead of the league season.

Attention now turns to the opening matchday of the 2026/2027 Eccellenza Sicilia season. On Sunday 13 September at 15:30, ACR Messina visit Augusta Football Club at the Fontana ground in Augusta.

Messana Riviera 0–3 ACR Messina Messana Riviera: Quartarone; Bonasera, Garofalo, Ozawje, Fragapane; Ventra, Trovato, De Salvo, De Maria; Di Vita, Niosi. Coach: Giuseppe Cosimini. ACR Messina: Coco; Passiatore, Doni, Sbuttoni, Pellegrino; Tanasa, Giunta; Kragl, Bonanno, Sartore; Sarao. Coach: Alfio Torrisi. Scorers: 48’ Burzio, 51’ Sarao, 88’ Bollino (penalty). Referee: Kevin Cono Butera of Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto.