For the first time since December 2009, Catania have lost three straight games in Serie A.
It’s been a tumultuous beginning to say the least, with losses to Fiorentina, Inter and Livorno. The Elefanti have conceded seven goals, which is the second highest number in the league, but it’s not the Rossazzurri defence that’s falling short of expectations, it’s the attack.
Pablo Barrientos has the only goal through three matchdays. At this point last season, Catania had five goals for and six allowed. The back line is keeping nearly the same pace, but the attack has dried up to begin the year.
For the last few campaigns, Catania have prided themselves on sitting deep, absorbing pressure, then countering quickly to score, usually exposing the flanks when they do so. As a result, many teams have picked up on their tendencies, making it difficult for the Etnei to create any scoring chances in 2013/14.
Despite the impotent offence, there were some positive signs from the 2-0 loss to Livorno. Firstly, on-loan Bordeaux midfielder Jaroslav Plasil made his debut, forming a trio in the centre of the pitch with Panagiotis Tachtsidis and Sergio Almiron.
Tachtsidis was brought in to add some defensive stability and has looked good early in his Sicilian tenure. Almiron, on the other hand, is a physical, box-to-box type. He’s not as technical as other players in his position, but is still solid enough to start most games. Plasil, meanwhile, offers more on-the-ball talent along with those defensive capabilities.
The addition of the Czech international was a bright spot for the midfield. In the opening Serie A game against Fiorentina, Rolando Maran’s side were bossed in the centre of the field. It caused tons of ruckus in front of Mariano Andujar’s goal, and thus sacrificed more counter attacking against a weak Viola defence.
On Sunday, it was a lot more positive going forward. Barrientos was wreaking havoc, Lucas Castro was decent, but there was still something missing as Gonzalo Bergessio received no service. He had one clear cut opportunity, but he hit the woodwork.
Sebastian Leto could be that answer. He started both the Fiorentina and Inter matches, but was rested during Sunday’s affair. Considering that the Argentine just returned from a serious knee injury and didn’t have a team to train with between January and the summer, it was even harder for him to get back his match fitness.
Now with Plasil most likely starting every week, the midfield crisis could be over. It’s not Francesco Lodi who’s missed, it’s Alejandro Gomez. Leto could be the Papu replacement, his first couple of appearances have demonstrated that, but it’s still early in the year, there’s plenty of time for Maran to recover and get his team back on track.
Catania have traditionally been slow starters. In 2012/13, they began with just one win through four matches. The season previous, they started off with one victory after five games and three wins in their first 11 fixtures. They had five draws in that run, but they were still very stagnant commencements.
Catania fans cannot panic. There are 35 games left and everything is slowly coming together, if they can support the defence by scoring a goal or two, the back line wouldn’t have to push forward in the pursuit of the opener, thus exposing themselves to fast breaks. Both sides of the ball go hand in hand with each other, surely Maran has grasped that concept and is drilling it into his players’ minds.
Forza catania!