Nine-man Udinese squeeze through to Italian Cup last eight

Udinese survived having two players sent-off to beat Reggina on penalties and progress to the Italian Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday.

Midfielder Luca Togiozzi was the fall guy, missing the 20th penalty in a shoot-out, to give Pasquale Marino's side an 8-7 win.

Equally culpable was Icelandic midfielder Emil Hallfredsson, who hit the post from a penalty one minute from time and then again with a freekick two minutes from the end of extra-time.

Udinese coach Marino will be far from happy though as goalkeeper Emanuele Belardi and striker Fabio Quagliarella were both sent off.

Penalties also played a part in Sampdoria's 2-1 win over Empoli.

Firstly Bruno Fornaroli put Sampdoria 2-0 ahead at halftime, adding to Emiliano Bonazzoli's opener.

Then after Francesco Lodi pulled one back for Empoli in the second half, Reto Ziegler missed a chance to put Sampdoria back in a two-goal lead from 12 yards, but the home side held on to progress.

In the other match played Napoli beat Salernitana 3-1, the result secured when Marek Hamsik fired home a penalty early in the second half.