One Giant Step Backwards
By: Chris | September 14th, 2008As many predicted, Catania left San Siro this weekend without stealing points from the sleeping giant, Inter. No surprises there. Moreover, they kept the score close, losing only by a goal, and one that may not actually have crossed the line. Not bad. Good effort. It should not have been that close anyway.
Not quite.
For those who actually watched the game, it should be clear how far behind the curve Catania actually lie. Inter not only dominated L’Etnei at full strength, they thoroughly overwhelmed them after being reduced to 10 men. The goal by Plasmati, a mere aberration in the context of an utter schooling by Italy’s best team. If you are going to be able to compete in Serie A, holding a result on the road for one half with your opponents short-handed should be routine. Right backs should not be allowed to push forward to attack, as Maicon was, and you should not be pinned back as Catania were for most of the second half. It should be straightforward, even for an inferior side. Instead, Zenga’s side played nervously, rather than instinctively jumping on the opportunity that was afforded them.
Mourinho was exactly right in saying that the score ought to have been 5-1. Indeed, only a heroic effort by Bizzarri kept the scoreline from reflecting the mismatch that actually took place. This loss will be hard to put behind them, and I can see it carrying over into this week’s game against Atalanta.
For those of us who wondered whether Catania would be in another relegation dogfight or would rise above the fray into mid-table, this game provided clear evidence for the former.
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Comments
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You’re not serious, right? I think you are giving Inter too much respect. For all their possession, their major chances came in the last 5 minutes or so, which Bizzarri did do well to keep the score 2-1. Inter’s goals came via a deflected cross and a goal that should not have been. Frankly, they were lucky to get the win. They were not impressive at all! And I honestly feel that had Zenga left on Plasmati rather than bringing on the lightweight Paolucci, Catania could have possibly gotten a draw.
I thought Pablo Ledesma was the best player on the pitch on either team. Was composed and creative on the ball and hardly misplaced a pass. If he keeps his play up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him at a bigger club next season.
Posted from
United States
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Nnahoj, you *must* detect the note of sarcasm in this post.
Of course he is not serious. Of course Inter were lucky.
Posted from
United States -
Chris, do you have any idea what Zenga is trying to do with these schoolyard tactics that Cantania are trying at corners? The basic plan seems to be for the guys in the box to sprint as a group to the goal line, then sprint back towards the six yard line. It bemused the entire crowd at the Meazza on Saturday night, and I could only guess that it is an attempt to confuse the defence.
It would make more sense if set to Benny Hill music.
Posted from
Italy -
You have got to be kidding me. inter had 2 players who actually played Saturday night the rest just got paid to be out there as warm bodies. Maicon and Ibra were great for Inter. but CT was by far the best team tactically. Their defense was well above average (I wont say great as they scored 2 own goals). They created chances while going forward albeit not as many as they should have or could have. Inter in my oppinion played like a weaker team and just hacked their way through the game.
Plasmati minus the first 10-15 minutes looked great. Seeing as he hasnt really played for Catania this season I was quite impressed. Overall very impressive display by Catania great improvement on last years game vs. Inter.
Forza Catania!Posted from
United States
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