It’s the first Sunday of September, and the pulse of amateur football in northern Italy is racing at full throttle. From the rolling fields of Piacenza to the bustling pitches of Lombardy, every division—Eccellenza, Prima, Seconda, and Terza Categoria—springs into action for the much-anticipated cup competitions. The air is thick with anticipation as fans, players, and coaches alike look to make their mark in the Coppa Italia, Coppa Lombardia, and Coppa Emilia. There’s no shortage of drama, as local derbies, debutants, and seasoned contenders all vie for early bragging rights and momentum.
In Piacenza, the afternoon kicks off at precisely 15:30, with all categories—Prima, Seconda, and Terza—taking the field for their respective cup matches. The Coppa Emilia sees its First Category teams make their season debut, and the spotlight is firmly fixed on the derby between Alsenese and Arquatese. These two sides have a storied rivalry, and their opening clash promises fireworks. Meanwhile, Fontanellatese is set to test the ambitions of Borgonovese, a team eyeing a strong campaign after a promising preseason.
Elsewhere in the First Category, results are already filtering in. Vigolzone fell to San Lazzaro with a scoreline of 0-2, while Sannazzarese suffered a heavy home defeat, losing 0-3 to Sarmatese. These early results set the tone for a fiercely competitive group stage, where every point will matter in the race to progress.
Second Category action in Piacenza is no less intense. The Coppa Emilia format here is unique this year, with all matches being local derbies—no separation between the two usual groups. The Samurai, widely regarded as a powerhouse, are under the microscope as fans and pundits are eager to see if they can live up to their reputation as the team to beat. The schedule is packed: BobbioPerino face GossolengoPittolo, Cadeo take on Samurai, and Pro Villanova meet Caorso, among other tantalizing fixtures. With so many local rivalries reignited, there’s a palpable sense of pride and competition in the air.
Dropping down to the Third Category, the Coppa Coni enters its second matchday for the Piacenza groups. The “new” Vigolo team, reformed and eager to prove themselves, make their debut at San Rocco—a storyline that’s piqued the curiosity of local supporters. The four groups are already shaping up after the opening round, with Podenzanese leading Group A on three points, Vernasca and San Corrado sharing the top of Group B, and Gropparello and RiverNiviano setting the pace in Group C. In Group D, Primogenita sits atop the standings after a strong start, while Gerbido and Sant’Antonio are looking to bounce back after early setbacks.
The matchday isn’t just about Piacenza, though. Over in Lombardy, the amateur football scene is equally vibrant. The Coppa Italia and Coppa Lombardia competitions commence across all divisions, from Eccellenza down to Terza Categoria. The program is jam-packed, with matches scheduled throughout the weekend, and the results of the early encounters—known as anticipi—already stirring conversation among fans and analysts.
In the Eccellenza division, Group 12 sees Cazzagobornato host Darfo Boario at 16:00 on Sunday. Group 13 features BSV Garda versus Castiglione and Cellatica against Ciliverghe, both matches also set for Sunday afternoon. These fixtures are more than just opening acts; they’re crucial for teams hoping to set the tone for a long and challenging cup campaign. The stakes are high, and the margins for error are razor-thin.
The Coppa Lombardia also gets underway, with group stages and calendars published for every level—U19, U17, U15, Prima, Seconda, and Terza Categoria. For many clubs, especially those with robust youth setups, these competitions offer a chance to showcase emerging talent and build for the future. It’s a weekend where dreams can be made—or dashed—in ninety minutes.
Results from the first wave of matches are already making headlines. In Serie D’s Coppa Italia, Breno and Rovato Vertovese clinched derby victories over Desenzano and Pro Palazzolo, respectively. Rovato Vertovese’s triumph over Crema has secured them a place in the first round, adding another layer of excitement to an already packed schedule. Union Brescia, meanwhile, delivered a statement performance at the Rigamonti, thrashing Pro Vercelli 5-0 to the delight of their supporters.
Back in Piacenza, every match is a story in itself. The derby between Alsenese and Arquatese is more than just a fixture—it’s a battle for local supremacy, a chance to seize early momentum and perhaps, just perhaps, send a warning shot to the rest of the league. Fontanellatese’s clash with Borgonovese, too, is being closely watched, as both sides aim to translate preseason promise into tangible results on the pitch.
The Second Category’s all-derby format is a particular talking point this year. With so many familiar foes facing off, the intensity is ratcheted up a notch. The Samurai, with their reputation as a “corazzata” or juggernaut, are under pressure to deliver. Will they live up to the hype, or will a local rival spring an upset? Only time—and ninety minutes—will tell.
In the Third Category’s Coppa Coni, the debut of Vigolo at San Rocco is a subplot that’s captured the imagination of local fans. After a period of rebuilding, the team is eager to make a splash and set the tone for the rest of the season. The group standings are already tight, and every match could prove decisive in determining who advances to the knockout rounds.
As the sun sets on this action-packed Sunday, it’s clear that amateur football in northern Italy is alive and kicking. The opening rounds of the Coppa Italia, Coppa Emilia, and Coppa Lombardia have delivered drama, goals, and no shortage of talking points. With so much at stake and so many stories unfolding, fans can look forward to a season brimming with intrigue and excitement. The journey has only just begun, and if today’s action is any indication, it’s going to be a wild ride.
