

Benevento produced a five-star performance to edge past Ravenna 5-3 in a thrilling Coppa Italia encounter on 10 August 2026, advancing to the next round in a match that had everything from early goals to late drama. The Stadio Ciro Vigorito witnessed eight goals and a relentless attacking display from the home side, who ultimately proved too clinical for a spirited Ravenna outfit.
Match Overview
The Coppa Italia tie exploded into life from the opening minutes, with Benevento asserting their superiority straight away. The home side, playing in front of their own supporters, took the game to the visitors and raced into a commanding lead. Ravenna, however, refused to wilt and hit back on multiple occasions, ensuring a nervy finale before the hosts sealed the tie with a fifth goal.
Benevento’s attacking quartet was in irresistible form, combining sharp movement with ruthless finishing. Ravenna’s defensive line struggled to contain the pace and invention of the home attack, while their own forwards showed great character to keep the contest alive until the closing stages.
Key Moments
- Early storm: Benevento opened the scoring within the first quarter-hour and added a second shortly after, stunning Ravenna with a high-tempo press.
- Ravenna’s response: The visitors pulled one back before half-time, giving themselves a lifeline and setting up a fascinating second half.
- Goal-fest after the break: The two teams traded goals in an open, end-to-end second period, with Benevento twice restoring a two-goal cushion.
- Decisive fifth: A late fifth goal for the home side finally extinguished Ravenna’s hopes of a comeback and secured a memorable 5-3 victory.
Tactical Story
Benevento lined up with an aggressive 4-3-3 shape, looking to dominate possession and exploit the flanks. Their full-backs pushed high, creating overloads in wide areas and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Ravenna, set up in a compact 4-4-2, attempted to stay disciplined centrally but were repeatedly pulled out of position by Benevento’s interchanging forwards.
Where Ravenna caused problems was in transition. Whenever they won the ball back, they looked to spring forward quickly with pace, catching Benevento’s advanced defence out of position. That approach produced three goals and a number of other scares, but ultimately the gulf in individual quality told, with Benevento’s front line proving more clinical in decisive moments.
Standout Players
- Benevento’s attacking leader: The home side’s chief marksman was the focal point of everything positive, scoring twice and assisting another in a complete centre-forward display.
- Ravenna’s tireless winger: Despite the defeat, Ravenna’s wideman was a constant threat on the counter-attack, providing both width and a goal in a losing effort.
- Benevento’s playmaker: Operating between the lines, the number ten dictated the tempo from midfield, pulling the strings and creating space for the runners ahead of him.
Competition Context
For Benevento, this win continues their proud tradition in the Coppa Italia, where they have historically enjoyed memorable runs against higher-division opposition. The 5-3 scoreline underscores their attacking philosophy under pressure and will send a warning to potential future opponents that they are not afraid to play open, entertaining football.
Ravenna, meanwhile, will take heart from their spirited display despite the exit. Scoring three times away from home in a competitive cup tie shows their own offensive quality, even if defensive frailties ultimately cost them the chance of causing an upset. For neutrals, this was a classic example of the Coppa Italia’s ability to deliver chaotic, high-scoring encounters in the early rounds.