Wikipedia - Coppa Italia

Coppa Italia (lit.'Italian Cup') is the annual domestic cup of Italian football. The knockout competition was organized by the DDS and the Lega Calcio until the 2009–10 season and by Lega Serie A ever since.

Juventus is the competition's most successful club with fifteen wins, followed by Roma and Inter Milan with nine. Juventus has contested the most finals with 22, followed by Roma with 17 finals. The holder can wear a cockade of Italy (Italian: coccarda), akin to the roundels that appear on military aircraft. The winner automatically qualifies for both the UEFA Europa League league phase and the Supercoppa Italiana the following year.

History

The beginning of the tournament was turbulent, due to the complexity of the participation of the teams in the tournament, since its inception in 1921, the Italian championship was divided into two groups. On the one hand the rich CCI Championship (Italian Football Confederation) and on the other the poor FIGC championship (Italian Football Federation). Losing all its most prestigious clubs, the FIGC tried to enhance its rump season with a new cup. The tournament's first edition held in 1922 was won by F.C. Vado. The following agreement between the contenders did not contemplate a cup that, outside a failed 1926–27 tournament which was cancelled during the round of 32, was not held until 1935–36. The events of World War II interrupted the tournament after the 1942–43 season, and it did not resume again until 1958. Since then, it has been played annually or seasonally.

The eight seasons during the fascist period were contested copying the FA Cup format. There was a different trophy, and the winners were awarded the tricolour scudetto while the championship winners obtained a Savoyard scudetto instead.

The present-day cup and cockade were introduced in 1958. The cup was resumed following the voices of the creation of a Cup Winners Cup. Having the sole goal to define a participant to the new UEFA competition, the cup had a minimal direct elimination format.

In 1967, following the reduction of the Serie A to 16 teams, semifinals and finals were replaced by a final post-season group, while the following year a pre-season group substituted the early rounds. In 1971, the format was restructured with two semifinal post-season groups, in order to introduce a fixed one-legged final in Rome.

Ordinary quarterfinals and semifinals were reintroduced in 1978, with a round of 16 when the competition was reopened to some Serie C clubs. Direct elimination then replaced any group when the Serie A was expanded to 18 club in the late eighties. After the expansion of the league to 20 club in the 2000’s, the actual minimalist format was fixed.

The Coppa Italia, Italy's premier knockout football tournament, is one of the most prestigious and storied competitions in Italian football. Established in 1922, the tournament features clubs from various tiers of the Italian football league system, including Serie A, Serie B, and lower divisions, making it a showcase of talent across the country.

The competition typically begins in the fall and culminates in a grand final held in the spring, often at the iconic Stadio Olimpico in Rome. Teams compete in a series of single-elimination rounds, with the excitement building as clubs vie for the coveted trophy. The tournament not only offers a chance for top-tier teams to claim silverware but also provides lower-division clubs with the opportunity to create memorable upsets and showcase their skills on a national stage.

The Coppa Italia is known for its passionate matches, dramatic moments, and the fervent support of fans. Winning the tournament not only brings prestige but also secures a place in the UEFA Europa League, adding an extra layer of motivation for participating teams. With its rich history and thrilling encounters, the Coppa Italia remains a highlight of the Italian football calendar, celebrating the spirit and passion of the beautiful game.