Catania defeated Udinese 1-0 at the Stadio Angelo Massimino to claim their second victory of the season on Saturday night.
Maxi Lopez converted a penalty to give the Rossazzurri the lead and eventual win.
The hosts piled on the pressure early in the match, with Sergio Almiron and Lucas Castro coming close. The latter was stopped at point blank range by Zeljko Brkic.
However, off a counter, Udinese nearly struck. Luis Muriel got on the end of a through ball from Andrea Lazzari, but flashed the shot just wide of the goal.
The Bianconeri came close just a couple of minutes later through the Colombian yet again, but his volley from a Bruno Fernandes cross hit the side netting of the near post.
The Zebrette continued to tighten their grip on the game, as Roberto Pereyra hit the post after slotting the ball underneath Mariano Andujar.
After several more opportunities for Udinese, the home support started to jeer their team for the constant onslaught they were receiving from the visitors.
Suddenly, Catania received a break. Off a corner, Nicola Legrottaglie was hauled down by Mauricio Domizzi in the box, leading to a penalty. Lopez converted from the spot to give the Etnei the lead.
Then some controversy ensued with around 10 minutes left in the first half. Udinese players called for a handball in the opposing box, but the referee was having none of it and waved play on.
The interval finished with the Friuli club dominating the final stages, but they still couldn’t find their first goal.
Udinese continued the pressure into the second half, but Nico Lopez was the only player who earned a decent chance early in the period.
The visitors nearly drew level after a flurry of shots, which were either blocked or saved by the goalkeeper. Neither Lazzari nor Muriel could capitalize on the loose ball.
Lopez nearly doubled the Elefanti’s advantage, but was stopped brilliantly by Brkic following an exquisite pass from Castro.
Despite a late effort by the Zebrette to grab a point, the home side held on for the 1-0 victory in the end.
