Palermo 5-2 Mantova: Six-goal thriller in Coppa Italia first round (full match highlights)

Palermo produced a stunning second-half display to overcome Mantova 5-2 in a thrilling Coppa Italia Round of 32 clash at the Renzo Barbera Stadium on 3 September 2026. The hosts took an early lead through Gabriel Strefezza in the 9th minute, who latched onto Claudio Gomes's pass and fired into the far corner. Antonio Palumbo doubled the advantage deep into first-half stoppage time, heading home from a cross to make it 2-0. But Mantova stunned the home crowd with a remarkable comeback after the break. Francesco Ruocco pulled one back in the 52nd minute, and just three minutes later, Rashid Kouda leveled the score with a clinical strike from Rares Ilie's assist. The game was delicately poised at 2-2, but Palermo responded with devastating effect. Joel Pohjanpalo restored the lead in the 70th minute with a composed finish from Dennis Jonsen's pass. Jonsen then turned provider again in the 89th minute, setting up Jacopo Segre to make it 4-2. In stoppage time, Dominik Vavassori delivered a corner that found Pohjanpalo, who completed his brace and sealed the emphatic 5-2 victory. This was a true Coppa Italia classic, with six goals and relentless attacking football. Palermo dominated possession with 57 percent and registered 17 shots, while Mantova managed 11 attempts. Palermo boss Alessio Dionisi praised his team's character, especially the response after conceding two quick goals. The Sicilian side now awaits the winner of Fiorentina vs Cosenza in the next round, and fans are already dreaming of a deep run in the competition.