Senegalese midfielder Cheikh Niasse shines as Verona advance in Coppa Italia

Cheikh Niasse marked the start of Hellas Verona’s season with a key contribution in their Coppa Italia first-round win, providing an assist in a tense match decided by penalties.

After a goalless first half, Verona broke the deadlock in the 55th minute when Niasse set up Bradaric to put the hosts ahead.

The Senegalese midfielder was replaced eight minutes later, but his impact had already been felt.

Verona were pegged back in stoppage time as their opponents forced the match into penalties.

The Serie A side, however, held their nerve, sealing a 4-2 victory in the shootout to book their place in the last 32.

Niasse’s early-season display will give Verona encouragement as they prepare to face Venezia in the next round, with the date of the tie still to be confirmed.