Sunday afternoon marked the first time Catania managed to win a point in the 2013/14 season, tying Parma 0-0. Both teams were in a similar predicament, neither had recorded a victory to start the campaign.
Coach Rolando Maran opted to switch to a 3-5-2 that has worked brilliantly for many Serie A clubs, it seemed to keep the defence organized. In previous games, they were often exposed due to the attack pressing for a deciding goal. However, in the process, they would be hit on the counter and their opposition would clinch the result.
The Rossazzurri had a chance to build on that match by facing a weakened Lazio on Wednesday. The Biancocelesti were without the likes of Miroslav Klose, Lucas Biglia, and Stefano Radu. It was a glorious opportunity for the Etnei to claim their first win of the year.
Due to the quick turnaround and injuries, Maran had to rotate both his formation and starting eleven. The Argentinean switched to a 4-2-3-1, the third system already utilized this season. Bruno Petkovic replaced the doubtful Gonzalo Bergessio up front, Fabian Monzon started wide left, and Tiberio Guarente along with Sergio Almiron operated as the holders.
The same players performed admirably. Nicolas Spolli, the best one of the bunch in 2013/14, was impressive at the back, Pablo Alvarez worked hard, and the duo of Jaroslav Plasil plus Pablo Barrientos were causing problems for the Lazio back line.
Once again, individual errors cost Catania. Guarente was at fault for one, then Giuseppe Bellusci, who’s been solid thus far, was sent off early in the second half when the visitors were down 2-1. By the end of the match, they were beaten down and were destined to concede a third.
That’s been the story of the season for the Elefanti, unfortunately. They had one of the worst away records in Serie A last year, so it was expected that they’d lose, but they had a chance in the match. Yet it’s the same old storylines, like individual errors, that are holding them back from breaking out like they’ve done the last few campaigns.
The striker, whoever happens to start, doesn’t get enough service, which means that opposing defences can easily snuff out the danger. If Barrientos is the lone threat, it’s very easy to stop the Catania attack. Bergessio has only had around two shots per game on average (10 overall), which doesn’t allow him to trouble the goalkeeper as much as he would like to.
Bergessio did average around three shots per match in 2012/13, but managed to get around 41% of them on target, leading to 13 domestic goals. Counting just on target chances, the Argentine had a 37% conversion rate. When factoring every shot he took, it’s 15%. That number is identical to the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy and Mario Balotelli’s rate of scoring. It trumps Francesco Totti’s rate of 9.6%.
In 2013/14, Bergessio has gotten two shots on target, or 20% of his chances. Obviously it’s a miniscule sample size, but Maran must find a way to get the forward more involved because when he was in dangerous areas, the wingers would opt to cross it in the direction of the 29-year-old. It was a three dimensional attack consisting of counters, exposing the flanks, and picking out Bergessio.
If Maran can cut out the individual mistakes and can get everyone involved up front, Catania won’t be as predictable and will be able to score a whole lot more. That will alleviate pressure on the defence, meaning the Rossazzurri can finally burst out of their shell and contend for a Europa League spot.
