Benevento
RavennaBy Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
Benevento, fresh off their promotion to Serie B, have carried excellent momentum through the summer and are determined to seize control of the game. Ravenna, on the other hand, prefer a cautious, defensive approach on the road. It remains to be seen which style will prevail in this Coppa Italia clash: the high tempo of the home side or the conservative tactics of the visitors.
Benevento turned in a magnificent campaign last season, earning a well-deserved promotion to Serie B, and they kept busy during the off-season. According to journalists, the team added quality reinforcements tailored for the higher division, significantly boosting their attacking firepower and enabling them to dictate play. Out of their last five friendlies and official matches, they have won four and drawn just once.
On their home turf, Benevento aim to dominate from the very first whistle, imposing their rhythm on opponents. In their three most recent official home games—all from the tail end of the previous championship—they drew twice and lost once. However, the summer signings are intended to improve that home record. The revamped squad now looks well-balanced, and the players are eager to reward their supporters with confident performances at the start of the new season.
Ravenna remain in Serie C, but they enter this cup fixture with serious ambitions and a clear desire to fight for promotion in the coming season. The team relies on a cohesive core and intense battles in midfield, aiming to minimize risks near their own goal. Their defense generally copes well when opponents build up attacks through possession, though they occasionally face local difficulties from set pieces. Over their last five matches, Ravenna have secured one win, drawn twice, and lost twice.
Away from home, the side plays with discipline, striving to shut down open spaces and waiting for the opponent to make a mistake. The club finished the previous season on a strong note: in their final three away games, they recorded two victories and one draw.
The gap in class means Benevento are expected to operate from a position of strength. The hosts are likely to take control of the ball from the opening minutes and methodically probe the visitors’ defensive block. Ravenna’s primary task will be to withstand that early onslaught: they will set up a deep defensive line and attempt to drag the game into a scrappy, slow rhythm, waiting for opportunities from set pieces or rare counterattacks involving their experienced newcomers.
Benevento conducted an ambitious transfer campaign, notably strengthening the squad for Serie B. The standout acquisition is Simone Verdi, a technically gifted and experienced attacking midfielder who is expected to become the creative leader of the side. The club also reinforced its defensive line significantly, bringing in Pietro Beruatto from Pisa and Leonardo Sernicola from Cremonese. However, the injury situation for the hosts remains fairly serious. Several key midfielders and wingers are unavailable: Giacomo Ricci and Pier Luigi Simonetti have been sidelined since winter, while Filippo Nardi is still completing his recovery. The absence of these players deals a considerable blow to rotation opportunities in the center of the park.
Ravenna have not made any headline-grabbing signings, but their treatment room is completely empty.
No specific referee information was provided in the source material.
Main Prediction: Benevento to win at odds of 1.68
Bookmakers favor the home side, and their preseason results back up those odds. Benevento put together an excellent run of summer friendlies, winning four of their last five matches, and they traditionally raise their game for home cup ties. Meanwhile, Ravenna have experienced certain dips in form. Given the hosts’ sharp condition, the recommendation is to back them for the victory. Our confidence in this outcome sits at 62%—anything above 1.61 is considered playable.
Total Goals Prediction: Under 2.5 at odds of 1.68
Both teams’ defensive units know how to play pragmatically, especially early in the season when physical conditioning has yet to reach its peak. Benevento’s recent official home games have rarely turned into goal-fests, and Ravenna on the road have even recorded several clean-sheet wins while displaying tight, cautious football. The importance of a cup tie will also encourage both sides to keep an eye on their own goal and avoid unnecessary risks. The probability of this bet landing is estimated at 64%—anything above 1.56 is considered playable.
The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Predictions for Benevento vs Ravenna will appear soon.
The match is on 9 August 2026 at 20:00 local time in the Coppa Italia. The venue is not specified in the source, but Benevento are the home side.
The source does not provide any broadcast or streaming information for this match.
Benevento are the clear favorites. Bookmakers offer odds of 1.68 for a home win, and the editorial confidence in that outcome is 62%.
The main prediction is Benevento to win at odds of 1.68. Additionally, under 2.5 total goals is suggested at odds of 1.68, with a 64% confidence level.
Yes, Benevento have several injured midfielders and wingers: Giacomo Ricci, Pier Luigi Simonetti (both sidelined since winter), and Filippo Nardi (still recovering). Ravenna have a fully fit squad.
Benevento have won four of their last five friendlies and official matches. Ravenna have one win, two draws, and two losses in their last five games, but finished the previous season strongly away with two wins and a draw in their final three road matches.