Italians in the EFL Cup Round-Up: Assists for Coppola and Chiesa as Leoni stretchered off | OneFootball

The EFL Cup third round continued last night and there were three Italian players in action: Brighton’s Diego Coppola and Liverpool duo Federico Chiesa and Giovanni Leoni.

Coppola played ninety minutes for the Seagulls in their convincing 6-0 rout of Barnsley in Yorkshire, in a game where former Inter Miami forward Diego Gomez scored four goals. Coppola was extremely solid in defence, clearing the ball when required and sending some good long balls up the pitch.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Diego Coppola of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the warm up ahead of the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Fulham at Amex Stadium on August 16, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The Italian centre-back got a reward for his efforts too, with an assist when he played a short pass to Yasin Ayari in the 89th minute; the Swedish midfielder then charging into the box and scoring his side’s sixth goal.

Strong performances for Liverpool Italian contingent in EFL Cup marred by Leoni injury

Liverpool won 2-1 against Southampton last night and Leoni and Chiesa both started the match.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 23: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the EFL Cup Third Round match between Liverpool and Southampton at Anfield on September 23, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

Leoni was impressive, delivering a resilient defensive performance and confident passing game to have Liverpool fans excited about the talent they secured from Parma in the summer. Unfortunately, the 18-year-old landed awkwardly late-on and had to be stretchered off, visibly in tears. After getting a taste of what the Italian starlet can do, Arne Slot and the supporters will be hoping the injury is not too serious.

Chiesa, meanwhile, also had an excellent match. The Italian was responsible for setting up both of the Reds’ goals, showing determination and working extremely hard to be a constant thorn in the side of the Championship team.

After not being selected for Slot’s Champions League squad, tournaments like the EFL Cup are an excellent opportunity for the former Juventus and Fiorentina man to show what he can do.