Catania advanced past the preliminary round of the Coppa Italia by beating Vicenza on penalties at the Romeo Menti, after a 1-1 draw in the ninety minutes of regular time. An important victory against a higher division team, which also sends a signal ahead of the match against Inter U23.
The Nerazzurri will face Catania on August 23 at 6 PM at the Massimino, in the first matchday of the Serie C group stage. The qualification obtained by the Rossazzurri gives Emilio Longo‘s team a prestigious away match: on Friday, August 14, the Etnei will play at the Tardini in Parma, against a Serie A team. At the same time, Inter U23 will take the field in Sestri Levante against Vado for the first round of the Coppa Italia Serie C.
After the win in Vicenza, Longo commented: “The team that was given to me is a strong team, capable of playing these kinds of matches. We didn’t have many substitutions, but we made good decisions. We tried to dominate when possible, and gritted our teeth when needed.”
Expectations met for the Sicilians and their coach: “I expected a team that would immediately show its strength. The doubts were about our physical condition, but I’m satisfied with that aspect as well. For the moment we’re in, it was a high-level test, we faced an excellent team. We played on equal terms, we held up well in the contest. There is a solid foundation to build an excellent team.”
No statements, however, on off-field matters, with the club not meeting the August 10 deadline for the deposit of the guarantee, risking a points deduction in the standings.
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