Catania were doomed to relegation when they lost 4-0 to Hellas Verona, but in their 36th game of the season, they managed to pull off a remarkable 4-1 win against Roma and move within two points of safety.
The Argentinean contingent in attack and midfield were the main providers. Mariano Izco scored a brace, Gonzalo Bergessio and Pablo Barrientos provided the other two strikes. It was easily the best performance of the season and arrived at the perfect time for the Rossazzurri.
Roma were always abysmal in Sicily, but they boast the best defence in Serie A, conceding 19 goals. Catania, on the other hand, have scored the fewest amount out of all 20 teams with 26. Following the match, they’re now the second most impotent attack, Bologna’s 27 is now the lowest total.
Putting aside the relegation battle, the showing from Catania’s three Argentineans in Izco, Bergessio and Barrientos was immaculate. The latter was particularly impressive which was demonstrated by his goal, but he was causing a ruckus all over the pitch.
The midfielder was helping out defensively, completing six tackles, more than any other Elefanti player. Izco executed half as many tackles, which is still solid. He also provided Barrientos the assist for the fourth goal. Bergessio was also setting up passes, he too had an assist on Sunday afternoon.
Performances like that one haven’t been seen since the 3-1 win at Lazio back in early March. That’s when it appeared as if Catania had the ability to climb out of the basement and settle in the middle of the table. However, after four games without losing, the Etnei were defeated in eight of their next nine games.
Now they’ve bounced back and have won two times in three matches. The last time that happened was nearly a year ago between May 5th and May 12th when the club acquired a record amount of points in the 2012/13 campaign.
In order for Catania to stave off relegation, they’ll definitely need some help. Depending on what happens in Sassuolo’s game against Fiorentina, it may take five points to get the Sicilians out of the danger zone if the Neroverdi defeat the Viola on Tuesday night.
Sassuolo must draw or lose that match in order for Catania to have a realistic chance. That would keep the gap to within three points. With the southerners facing Atalanta and Bologna in their final two fixtures, it gives them an opportunity to achieve the impossible.
The latter affair is away from the Stadio Angelo Massimino and they’ve lost all but two games on the road, both of which were draws. If they can get a point, that puts them in a good position entering the final match of the season.
However, the Argentinians who dazzled the home supporters must deliver something close to what they pulled off. There were questions about Roma and whether or not they even made an effort to trouble the hosts, but defeating a team that’s had their best domestic season in club history must invigorate the squad with a lot of confidence.
