Zoff targets Roma revenge

New Fiorentina coach Dino Zoff gets the chance to extract immediate revenge for the defeat to Roma that precipitated his appointment in the Italian Cup this week.

The former Italy coach replaced Sergio Buso after Sunday's 2-1 home loss to Roma in Serie A and the two clubs meet again in the first leg of their quarter-final in Rome today.

Milan host Udinese today while Atalanta face Inter and Cagliari play Sampdoria tomorrow.

Zoff will have a strong squad at his disposal for the trip to the capital.

Midfielder Martin Jorgensen has recovered from a back problem, while Fabrizio Miccoli, who is suspended from this weekend's league fixture against Cagliari, is expected to spearhead the attack.

Udinese, riding high in third place in Serie A, will also be looking to turn the tables on Milan following a 3-1 league defeat nine days ago.

This promises to be a combative encounter. Both sides were stung by unexpected defeats in the last round of Serie A matches, Milan going down 1-0 at Livorno and Udinese losing 2-0 at home to Reggina.

While in the past Milan have deployed second-string sides in the cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti may use the game at the San Siro to reintroduce striker Filippo Inzaghi, who is fit after a three-month injury layoff.

In the other half of the draw, Atalanta will be aiming to claim another big-name scalp when they take on Inter.

Seven points adrift at the bottom of Serie A, Atalanta seem doomed to a swift return to the second division, but tore up the form book to knock Juventus out of the competition over two legs in the previous round.

They will have to be at their best to upset Inter who have plenty of firepower up front even without injured Brazilian striker Adriano.

The winner of that tie will advance to a semi-final against the winner of the remaining quarter-final between Sampdoria and Cagliari, who knocked out holders Lazio on away goals in the previous round.

Coppa Italia QFs (1st legs)

Playing today - live on RaiDue
Roma vs Fiorentina 6 p.m. (second leg: March 16)
Milan vs Udinese 9 p.m. (second leg: March 16)

Playing tomorrow
Cagliari vs Sampdoria 6 p.m. (second leg: March 17)
Atalanta vs Inter 9 p.m. (second leg: February 16)