Pietro Cianci’s left-footed shot from the edge, in the bedlam of the “Cibali Massimino”, sealed the first act of the double match valid for the Second Round of the National Phase. But the challenge between Avellino And Catania it will inevitably be decided at the “Partenio-Lombardi” which sold out within a few hours of the opening of the free sale. As mentioned, we start from the narrow defeat in the first leg which effectively overturned the green and whites’ initial advantage.
If before race 1 it was Pazienza’s men who had two out of three results in their favour, now this advantage goes to Zeoli’s Catania. For the Etna people it will be enough not to lose at the “Partenio” to be sure of a place in the Final Four. Avellino, on the other hand, is forced to win to get through to the play-off semi-finals. To the wolves even one to zero would be enough to be qualified thanks to the best placing in the championship and the advantage of being “seeded”.
Being able to win even by one to zero doesn’t mean you’ve already done it. The two teams – al fourth seasonal crossing albeit, Catania, with three different coaches – they know each other inside out. In the first leg, Mr. Zeoli demonstrated his ability to keep the green and white super attack at bay. Double defensive line behind the ball line, Monaco under constant pressure on Patierno and little space given to Sgarbi’s outbursts. Perfect match management – at the “Massimino” – by the Etna players, who were good at constantly countering the attacks on the outside by Liotti and Ricciardi and letting Avellino dribble only through the central routes.
Holes and problems in the green-and-white system that could push Mr. Pazienza to review form and interpreters. But beyond the choices, what will be determined in the return match will certainly be the one team group mentality. If in Catania they took to the pitch to limit the damage and try to draw a draw, now, at the “Partenio”, another type of match will be needed. We will have to dare, also encouraged by their fans, playing a different match from the first leg. Not unscrupulous but reasoned, with the grit and determination of great challenges. Those, which in the case of Avellino-Catania, ensure the passage of the round.
All in one night. All in the 90 minutes of “Partenio”. There are two roads that can be taken. On the one hand, the one that leads toelimination and therefore to abandoning the dream of promotion. On the other hand, the one whose destination is the Final Four with new blood attached to aspire to Serie B. Hell or the continuation of a dream. It’s said now. Avellino, destiny is all in your hands.
Cover image: Catania FC
