The competition, which will start on August 15, will consist of the 42 clubs in Italy's top two divisions (20 Serie A clubs and 22 Serie B clubs). Unlike last season, third division clubs have not been invited to play.

The first three rounds will be one match knockout ties rather than two-legged matches.

The competition will begin with 24 clubs, the 22 Serie B clubs plus Genoa and Napoli who both won promotion from the second division last season.

Ten Serie A clubs, including newly-promoted Juventus, will join the competition in the third round alongside the six survivors of the previous two rounds.

The eight winning teams in the third round will then be joined by the top eight seeds, including holders and Serie A champions Inter Milan, for the round of 16 when ties will revert back to two legs all the way to the final.

However, the final will be a single match and is expected to be played at Rome's Olympic stadium.

The Italian Cup is lightly regarded by Italy's top clubs and attendances tend to be very low until the competition reaches the latter stages.