Inter buoyant in Bergamo

Martins winner
Roberto Mancini's side, who are still unbeaten in 31 matches in all competitions this season, had substitute Obafemi Martins to thank for their victory in Bergamo, the Nigerian striker scoring the only goal with 18 minutes left to play. However, although the visitors largely controlled possession, it was Atalanta who carved out the best four chances of the match, two in each half.

Atalanta chances
Damiano Zenoni had the first opportunity, shooting wide in the opening moments, before Inter goalkeeper Fabian Carini produced a fine save to block Davide Sinigaglia's shot following Michele Marcolini's through-ball on the half-hour. After the interval, Andrea Lazzari – the Coppa Italia's top scorer with nine goals in this season's competition – chested down Sinigaglia's pass only to be denied by first Carini and then Francesco Coco.

Lofted finish
Lazzari had another chance shortly before Inter's goal, but saw his shot from the edge of the penalty area strike the crossbar. Moments later, the visitors scored the only goal of the game as Martins collected possession on the edge of the penalty area and lifted his shot over Alex Calderoni.

Cagliari cushion
In Thursday's early quarter-final, Cagliari closed in on a place in the last four with a 2-0 first-leg victory against UC Sampdoria. At the Stadio Sant'Elia, the Sardinian side took the lead in the fourth minute when David Suazo's through-ball split the Sampdoria defence and strike partner Rolando Bianchi flicked past goalkeeper Luigi Turci.

Suazo strikes
Suazo doubled Cagliari's lead in the 24th minute, racing clear on to a long ball and beating Turci at his near post. Thereafter, the home side largely contained Sampdoria's threat, and held out for a comfortable victory.