**Genoa looks to shake off those weird preseason vibes against Ascoli in what should be a routine Coppa Italia cruise.** 🏟️ The Rossoblu have the clear edge in pedigree, though recent form has been all over the map — a demolition at Bournemouth sandwiched around solid wins keeps things messy.

Ascoli's sitting on thin ice after dropping three of their last five, including losses to Frosinone and Lazio. They'll need a miracle to trouble a Serie A side hunting for rhythm in this competition.

Key storylines:

- **Genoa's depth** up front with Vitinha and L. Colombo will test an **Ascoli backline** that's been leaking goals

- B. Norton-Cuffy and the wingback system needs to click early; preseason jank dies fast in knockout rounds

- **Ascoli** can't afford to get chased — they need to stay compact and hope for a set-piece chance or counter

Expected lineups:

- **Genoa**: F. Stolz, D. Puczka, L. Østigård, M. Ellertsson, Vitinha, Amorim, F. Meichtry, B. Norton-Cuffy

- **Ascoli**: D. Barosi, S. D'Uffizi, A. Caucci, M. Alagna, S. Perciun, L. L. Scalzo, F. Palazzino, K. Gorica

Prediction:

**Genoa 2-0 Ascoli.** Clinical performance to advance; Ascoli puts up little fight. 💪