2013 for Catania has gone from jubilation to depression as the year closes out. In 2012/13, the Rossazzurri broke the club points record and home wins in a single campaign. Now, they’re languishing at the bottom of Serie A heading into the winter break with 10 points.
Tactical shifts/changes
A part of that has had to do with tactical shifting. The 4-3-3 formation has stayed the same, but it appears as if the team are playing a little more possession based than usual. No surprise, given that Alejandro Gomez departed Sicily. The Argentinean winger was a key part in the counter attack, now that he’s gone, it’s not as lethal as it once was.
Star Performer so far: Nicolas Spolli
The attack has suffered as a result of the tinkering, hence the league worst 10 goals scored. However, the defence has still performed adequately well, especially Nicolas Spolli. The Argentine has been the star in an otherwise dire season. Even though he was injured for a few matches, he’s second in clearances and interceptions per game. Spolli also completes nearly three tackles per match.
Worst performer: Fabian Monzon
Another defender has also been at the end of some criticism, much of it deserved. Fabian Monzon arrived in the south of Italy with some expectations. While at Lyon, he was linked to a move to Arsenal, but Catania ended up signing him in the summer. However, he’s clearly struggled since his debut. He’s been error prone and as a result, he’s been benched for backup left back Pablo Alvarez.
Transfer of the season so far: Jaroslav Plasil
It’s not been all doom and gloom for the summer signings. Thanks to the Francesco Lodi co-ownership deal, the Etnei were able to snap up Jaroslav Plasil on loan from Bordeaux. He’s been the best acquisition from the transfer window, igniting the creative spark that Catania missed without Lodi in the midfield.
Milestone moment
The defining moment of the season came when Rolando Maran, the coach responsible for the record breaking 2012/13 season, was sacked. Luigi De Canio replaced him, but he’s only picked up five points out of a possible 27 since his appointment. The squad was thin due to injuries, but now the former Udinese tactician has had a full strength lineup for a few games. Now’s the time for him to start winning, as there aren’t many mulligans left to give.
What needs to happen in the second half of the season
Bologna and Atalanta will be Catania’s first two opponents in 2014. The former is 17th, and has struggled mightily this campaign. It’s a golden opportunity for the Rossazzurri, as they’re five points away from safety. A victory would give them a fighting chance to stay up.
In years past, 36-38 points has been the magical number for Serie A survival. That means that Catania need to win at least 26 out of 63 points. They only got 10 out of 51 in the first half of the season, so it promises to be a herculean task, but one that’s not out of the realm of possibility.
The attack must pick up if Catania stand a chance, though. In the six matches they’ve gotten a result in, the Elefanti have recorded five clean sheets, scoring just four goals. Whenever the team concedes, all confidence is lost up front.
Now that Gonzalo Bergessio is back, there’s a focal point up front. It’s up to De Canio to get him involved a lot more, as he was recording a little over one shot per game before his injury.
2013/14 won’t be a season to remember for Catania, regardless of their final position in the table. However, the year 2014 could become known as the year of the turnaround for the Sicilians.
