Big match at the ‘Angelo Massimino’ stadium with Catania led by Domenico Toscano returning to the field to host Benevento coached by Gaetano Auteri, in a match valid for the second round of Group C of Serie C Now 2024-2025.
An exciting challenge is expected between two real powerhouses that have made significant investments in higher categories during the recent transfer window.
The start of the season for both teams
The red-blue team, coming from an goalless draw in their debut in Potenza against Sorrento, is preparing for their home debut with the intention of securing the first three crucial points against one of the best-equipped teams in the entire category.
Meanwhile, the Sanniti, fresh from a comeback victory at home against newly promoted Cavese (2-1), aim to continue their momentum by trying to leave the Etna facility unscathed.
The league is still in its early stages, with the potential of many teams yet to be expressed, but the points at stake are always important, and a victory against a direct rival would still weigh heavily even if a defeat would not hinder any objectives.
The previous encounters in Sicilian territory between the two teams favor the red-blues with eight victories, five draws, and just two losses (the last in Serie C in 2015 with a score of 1-3).
The lineups on the field
Coach Toscano will have to do without Verna, D’Andrea, and Montalto. The usual 3-4-2-1 formation for the red-blue coach with Di Gennaro, Ierardi, and Castellini, who is preferred over Quaini, in front of returning goalkeeper Adamonis.
On the wings, Guglielmotti will play on the right and Anastasio on the left with Di Tacchio and Sturaro in midfield. Up front, offensive player Popovic will lead the attack with Luperini and Carpani behind him.
For Benevento, coach Auteri will be without, in addition to Pastina, five injured players: Meccariello, Tosca, Agazzi, Nardi, and Carfora.
Talia returns after suspension, while new arrivals Oukhadda and Borello have been called up. The yellow-red team is ready to take the field again with a 4-3-3: Nunziante in goal, Capellini and Viscardi in central defense with Berra and Ferrara on the flanks.
In midfield, Talia alongside Acampora and Simonetti, while the attacking trident features Lamesta, Manconi, and Lanini.
First half of play in favor of Catania
Catania shows aggression with several goal attempts in the first 3 minutes; the most significant chance fell to Lunetta, who almost alone in front of Nunziante sends the ball out for a corner kick; from the resulting play, a nice header from Castellini.
Goal for Catania by Carpani at the 23rd minute from a rebound by the goalkeeper following a dangerous action by Lunetta.
Benevento is almost at the mercy of the red-blues, unable to cross half of the opponent’s field; Catania holds high and leaves no space for their rivals.
Catania is dangerous at the 36th minute with Lunetta and Luperini, but the ball goes wide. In the final moments, Benevento makes an appearance near Bethers with Lanini, but the ball goes out.
Second half focusing on containment and defending the result
In the second half, the pace drops, and Catania plays to defend the result, trying to concede as little as possible to Benevento.
Two notable actions occurred: at the 62nd minute when Talia grazes the crossbar and at the 65th minute when Sturaro clears the ball off the line with the goalkeeper beaten.
Stoppa at the 90th minute breaks free and attempts a shot that just goes over the bar.
Then it’s control of the game and the result.
Giovanni Rinzivillo
