The
Coppa Italia (Italian for
Italy Cup, officially known as
TIM Cup because of its sponsorship) is an
Italian football annual cup competition. Its first edition was held in 1922, but the second champions were not crowned until 1936.
Roma and
Juventus lead the way with nine wins. Roma has contested more finals, 16, while
Torino and Juventus follow with 13. The holder can wear a "tricolore"
cockade, like the
roundels that appear on military aircraft, and qualifies for a
UEFA Europa League spot for the next season.
Coincidentally, in five of the last six years, the Coppa Italia final has been contested by the same two teams –
Inter and
Roma. This includes the
2009–10 Coppa Italia final. The match was held at the
Stadio Olimpico in
Rome on 5 May 2010 and ended with Inter winning 1–0. It was Inter's 6th Coppa Italia title, and first since 2006. In this current final streak between the two teams, Inter now has the edge 3–2. Both missed the final in 2008–09.
Format
The competition is a knockout tournament with pairings for each round made in advance; the draw for the whole competition is made before a ball is kicked. Each tie is played as a single leg, with the exception of the two-legged semi-finals. If a match is drawn, extra time is played. In the event of a draw after 120 minutes, a penalty shoot-out is contested. As well as being presented with the trophy, the winning team also qualifies for the
UEFA Europa League (formerly named the UEFA Cup). If...
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