Catania easily defeated a weak Chievo side in Sicily and deservedly took home all three points. The ‘Elefanti’ had much of the possession throughout the game and gave Eurgenio Corini much to think about on his return back to the mainland.
Sergio Almiron hit a brace in the second half and was outstanding throughout the match. Coupled with the fantastic dribbling and crossing of Alejandro Gomez, the Flying Donkeys stood little chance on Sunday afternoon despite a Marco Andreolli consolation goal deep in stoppage time.
Rolando Maran’s men dominated much of the first 45 minutes, with Gomez a constant thorn in Chievo’s side. The tricky winger had numerous efforts on goal and should have put his side ahead. On 17 minutes, he collected a cross delivered from the right but put his shot wide of the goal whilst completely unmarked.
On 29 minutes, the Argentine found himself through on goal with only Stefano Sorrentino to beat. Gomez profited from an error by the Chievo back-line but put his lob just wide of the goal.
The half did not improve for the Sicilians as both Marco Biagianti and Gonzalo Bergessio needed to be substituted for injury with Souleymane Doukara and Mariano Izco being introduced.
The final few minutes of the first 45 saw Chievo finally come out of their defensive shell and begin to give the Catania defence some problems. Nicola Legrottaglie was fortunate not to score an own goal and Marco Andreolli should have buried his effort when just yards out rather than put his shot over.
There was just enough left on the clock before half time for Gomez to create another chance. His dribble and pass found Izco who then attempted to reach Doukara in a dangerous area but the pass was cut out by Chievo’s Gennaro Sardo.
However, just five minutes into the second half Catania got their reward. A corner swung into the box was met by Sergio Almiron who angled his header low and past the flailing left hand of Sorrentino.
The goal inspired Chievo into some kind of reaction but they created little in terms of concrete chances. In fact Catania should have doubled their lead on 66 minutes when Doukara put his unchallenged header wide of the goal from a Francesco Lodi cross.
Sergio Pellissier had a good shout for a penalty turned down on 72 minutes, after some heavy contact from Legrottaglie. The away side resorted to long hopeful balls to try and unlock the Catania defence, with substitute Alberto Paloschi getting a half chance in front of Mariano Andujar. However, Nicolas Spolli cleared the ball just as the young Italian was about to shoot.
But on 85 minutes, Almiron finally put Corini’s men out of their misery, running into the box and curling a shot past Sorrentino to seal the points. An Andreolli header in injury time made for a flattering scoreline, as Chievo were outplayed for much of the match.
