by LORENZO FAZIO
A highly prestigious challenge this afternoon in Dimaro where Alberto Aquilani's Catanzaro is hosted by the Italian Champions Napoli, coached by Antonio Conte. About two thousand fans crowded the stands to support the Azzurri, plus about 400 Giallorossi who came from all over Italy. Nightmare start for Catanzaro, who conceded two goals in seven minutes. The first by Raspadori after a great sprint by Neres and the second from a penalty by Lucca caused by Pigliacelli. Little from Catanzaro at the start and Napoli nearly made it three with Beukema hitting the post in the 17th minute. In the 22nd minute, Biasci almost took advantage of a mistaken back pass from the Azzurri defense but Meret managed to save. Good moves from Lobotka and the much-anticipated Kevin De Bruyne for Napoli, while Catanzaro defended as best they could, trying to counterattack and find space. In the 25th minute, Noa Lang nearly scored from distance but missed the target. In the 28th minute, KDB's cross-shot but captain Di Lorenzo couldn't reach it and collided with Pigliacelli. At the half-hour mark, De Bruyne's backheel set up Lucca for a shot, but his effort was strong but central. Applause for the Belgian. In the 40th minute, Iemmello's invention for D'Alessandro's run, but he missed the ball. The half ended with Catanzaro's first two shots from Iemmello and D'Alessandro, but Meret was there. The first half ended with an off-target shot from Lucca and Di Lorenzo nearly making it three from a corner. A flurry of substitutions in the second half from both sides. Great start from Catanzaro, who in the 48th minute nearly scored with Pompetti from distance, with an excellent response from Contini. A minute later, Pompetti again set up Iemmello, who with a nice move brought it to his left and scored to reduce the deficit. The Giallorossi fans present shouted "Pietro! Pietro!" and Catanzaro was still alive. In the 53rd minute, the newly entered Lukaku tried after a play by Spinazzola but without luck. On the hour mark, forced substitution for Catanzaro with Pompetti coming off to applause after a clash. His condition is to be evaluated, and Rispoli came on in his place. In the 66th minute, Pontisso's free kick and a great save by Contini. In the 69th minute, Mazzocchi tried but a great save by Pigliacelli. In the 72nd minute, Napoli was close to a third goal but Di Chiara, who had just come on, saved on the line. In the 80th minute, a nice solo effort by Pittarello with his shot just wide to the left of the post. Pittarello again nearly scored from distance with a great shot, earning applause and encouragement from Iemmello and teammates. It ended with Napoli's victory, a useful test for both teams.
The official line-ups at kick-off:
NAPOLI (4-2-3-1): Meret; Di Lorenzo, Rrahmani, Beukema, Olivera; Lobotka, De Bruyne; Neres, Raspadori, Lang; Lucca. Coach: Conte.
CATANZARO (4-4-2): Pigliacelli; Frosinini, Antonini, Bonini, Verrengia; D’Alessandro, Pontisso, Pompetti, Nuamah; Biasci; Iemmello. Coach: Aquilani.
Catanzaro with honor against the Italian Champions Napoli