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The first leg of the second national round of the Serie C playoffs against Avellino goes to Catania. 1-0 success thanks to Cianci’s goal during the second half. Won a very difficult, open, fairly balanced match in front of a quality opponent but who had to deal with a Catania team who put in a lot of heart and determinationfighting on every inch of the pitch until the final whistle.
Catania immediately started strong, driven by the heat of the approximately 19 thousand of the “Massimino” with Cianci’s left-footed conclusion that went out just to the right of Ghidotti. Avellino who after initial difficulties pulls his head out of his shell. In the 9th minute Sgarbi shoots against the outside of the goal. Liotti also makes an attempt (20′) with his left foot which, however, does not lower and ends in a curve. Catania tries to take advantage of some imperfections in the visiting defense. In the 29th minute, for example, the rossozzurri were dangerous with Tello, ball deflected for a corner. Soon after, save on the line by Patierno following a header by Monaco. At the end of the first half, great shot from Sgarbi blocked for a corner by Furlan.
Substantial balance on the pitch, Avellino was better in terms of possession but Catania was determined to exploit the counterattacks. In the 51st minute there was a thrill for “Massimino” with Furlan letting the ball slip from a Sgarbi cross from the right. Luckily for the goalkeeper, no Avellino player was lurking. The minutes passed, Catania played without frenzy, with the necessary patience. And he was rewarded in the 71st minute with the winning goal: Cianci unleashes a precise shot aimed at the corner which leaves Ghidotti no chance.
The “Massimino” explodes, becomes an infernal bedlam and Catania, on the wings of enthusiasm, continues to make itself dangerous with a fireball from Castellini directly from a free kick, Ghidotti flies and takes refuge in the corner. In the final he attacks Avellino in search of an equalizer that doesn’t arrive. In full injury time, just when Catania triggers a potentially very dangerous restart, the referee blows the whistle to end hostilities and Zeoli’s team can receive the deserved applause from the public. The move to the playoff semi-finals will be decided on Saturday.
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