Football Season Guide

Coming off their most successful season in Serie A ever, Catania would have been expected to build from there in order to make that quantum leap that should allow them to qualify to the European competitions for their first time in their history. For sure, coach Maran, one of the authors of last season’s unexpected eight standing, was confirmed together with most of the squad. However, some illustrious players had to be sacrificed over the summer in order to strengthen the team. This was certainly the case of Lodi, the anchor of the midfield, and Gomez, undoubtedly one of the most creative players the Elephants ever had. The two left for some good money but it has to be seen, though, whether or not they have been properly replaced. In fact, the newly-arrived Tachtsidis does not seem likely yet to make the supporters forget about Lodi given the lack of his experience that cost him the starting eleven while with Roma. For the attack, Castro could gain more playing time with new-comer Leto as the main alternative while Maxi Lopez is bound to leave. Having Marchese decided to refuse a contract-extension, Monzon should be the new left-back. The squad was also trimmed a bit as several fringe players, such as Augustyn, Ricchiuti, Potenza, Lanzafame and Llama were let go. Gyomber and Samba could represent some alternatives for the back four with Freire in the midfield, but they all still seem to lack the needed experience. In the past season, Catania were particularly impressive at home where they imposed their attacking play while they stuttered a lot on the road: they will be expected to improve when travelling.