Spezia knock out nine-man Roma in Coppa Italia

ROME, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- Spezia advanced into the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia on Tuesday, as the underdogs registered a shock 4-2 win over nine-man Roma after extra-time.

Spezia surged into a 2-0 lead just 15 minutes into the game thanks to Andrij Galabinov's penalty and Riccardo Saponara's drilled effort.

Lorenzo Pellegrini pulled one back before the interval through a spot-kick, before Henrikh Mkhitaryan dinked over the goalkeeper to equalize.

With no further goals, the two sides went into extra-time. The Giallorossi were reduced to nine men right after the whistle as Gianluca Mancini was sent off for a second yellow card, seconds before goalkeeper Pau Lopez also saw red after a mistimed kick on Roberto Piccoli.

With only nine men, Roma failed to hold on as Daniele Verde's header and Saponara's stunning lob helped Spezia seal the win.

It was reported that Roma would have lost the match by default anyway as they made six substitutions rather than the permitted five.

FIFA rules state that the sixth substitution may be made in extra-time, but this regulation does not apply to the Coppa Italia.

Spezia now face Cup holders Napoli in the next phase.