Roma hit back in Italian Cup against Triestina

AS Roma bounced back from conceding a shock early goal against Serie B strugglers Triestina to win 3-1 on Tuesday and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia.

Roma, who will play Genoa or Catania next, joined Serie A leaders Inter Milan in the last eight after Jose Mourinho’s team beat Livorno 1-0 in December.

Triestina were ahead after just five minutes as Luigi Della Rocca converted a penalty after he himself had been fouled by Marco Cassetti.

A shock was on the cards against a weakened Roma, for whom coach Claudio Ranieri rested the likes of centre-back Juan, striker Luca Toni and midfield dynamo Daniele De Rossi.

But Roma drew level on the stroke of halftime as Matteo Brighi shot home following a rebound.

Montenegro forward Mirko Vucini gave the hosts the lead on the hour after he was set up by French winger Jeremy Menez.

And 10 minutes from time Brazilian flop Julio Baptista sealed the victory direct from a free-kick.

In Wednesday’s matches Juventus host Napoli in the tie of the round while third division Novara travel to the San Siro to tackle mighty AC Milan.