Messina–Athletic Gioiosa 4–0: Kragl and Varela shine in the cup
Four goals at the Franco Scoglio in the round-of-16 first leg give Messina a strong advantage.
A convincing victory at the Franco Scoglio: on Wednesday 23 September ACR Messina beat Athletic Gioiosa 4–0 in the Coppa Italia Eccellenza Sicilia round-of-16 first leg. Three goals come before half-time and a fourth late on.
Three before the interval
Messina take the initiative and go ahead in the 21st minute when Brancato heads Oliver Kragl’s corner into his own net. In the 27th minute, Kragl volleys in a second from Antonio Palumbo’s pass.
In the 35th minute, Matteo Guerriero crosses from the left and Ignacio Varela heads in the third. Messina go into the break 3–0 ahead, having converted their first-half chances into a commanding lead.
Varela completes his brace
Alfio Torrisi makes changes after the restart. The score remains 3–0 until the 86th minute, when Enrico Zampa finds Varela, who completes his brace and seals the 4–0 win.
Match details and return leg
Messina keep a clean sheet and take a four-goal lead into the 7 October return leg. The tie will be decided over both matches.