Lecce vs. Mantova (Monday, 5.30pm)
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After exiting to Serie B opposition last year, Lecce aim to avoid another upset in Monday's Coppa Italia first-round tie against Mantova.
The Salentini will welcome their second-tier counterparts to Via del Mare after a rough run of results to end pre-season.
We say: Lecce 3-2 Mantova
Given Mantova's attacking approach, it could be an absorbing cup contest on Monday evening, but Lecce have built a capable squad over the past couple of years and should make a successful return to action.
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Cagliari vs. Carrarese (Monday, 8.15pm)
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Starting the post-Claudio Ranieri era on Monday evening, Cagliari host Serie B side Carrarese in the first round of the Coppa Italia.
Having led the Rossoblu back to the big time and kept them afloat last season, Ranieri's retirement has seen survival specialist Davide Nicola step into the hotseat.
We say: Cagliari 2-1 Carrarese
No matter what time of the season, Cagliari are generally tough to beat on Sardinian soil, and a fairly settled squad should start the 2024-25 campaign with a win; little Carrarese are Serie B newcomers and lack experience against top-tier opposition.
