Roma defeat Sampdoria to reach Coppa Italia quarter-finals

Roma have progressed to the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia after beating Sampdoria 1-0 this evening.

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The visitors began the brighter of the two sides but fell behind in the sixth minute, when Vasilis Torosidis fired home a loose ball after Mattia Destro's effort was saved.

Destro had the opportunity to double Roma's lead with 19 minutes on the clock, but his effort was saved by Samp goalkeeper Vincenzo Fiorillo.

Fiorillo was kept busy during the remainder of the first half, denying Destro twice in quick succession after the striker found space inside the box, before the stopper palmed Alessandro Florenzi's powerful drive wide.

Nicola Pozzi almost levelled matters two minutes after the break, but his effort was deflected wide by Leandro Castan.

Fiorillo was called into action again 10 minutes from time when he got a foot on the ball to prevent Destro from rounding him and having an empty net to aim at.

Roma will face either Juventus or Avellino on January 21 for a place in the semi-finals.