Claudio Ranieri watched on as a strong Leicester U23 side beat Sheffield United 5-4 on penalties in the Checkatrade trophy on Tuesday night.
Billy Sharp and Daniel Rowe had the best of a watchable and competitive game's few chances.
Demarai Gray hit the bar with a late free-kick as the match ended 0-0, but Ranieri missed the shoot-out success as he left the directors box just moments before.
Coventry beat West Ham's kids 4-2 and none of the goalscorers were over 22.