Napoli overcome Palermo to reach Coppa Italia quarter-finals

Osimhen and Elmas goals see off plucky Serie B side

Napoli reached the Coppa Italia quarter-finals with a 3-2 win over Serie B side Palermo on Tuesday, despite a spirited fightback from the visitors.

Victor Osimhen's header gave Napoli an early lead, but Palermo leveled through a penalty from Matteo Brunori.

Eljif Elmas restored Napoli's lead after the break, but Palermo hit back again through substitute Edoardo Soleri.

However, Giovanni Simeone wrapped up the victory for Napoli with a late goal to send the Serie A leaders into the last eight.

Napoli started brightly and took the lead after just nine minutes when Osimhen headed home from close range.

Palermo, however, showed great character and leveled through a penalty from Brunori in the 32nd minute.

Napoli regained the lead early in the second half when Elmas fired home from just inside the area.

Palermo refused to give up and equalized for a second time through Soleri in the 77th minute.

But Napoli had the final word when Simeone scored in the 89th minute to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

The draw for the quarter-finals will be held on Wednesday.