On March 30, 2025, Catania faced off against Trapani in a highly anticipated Sicilian derby at the "Provinciale" stadium, where they emerged victorious with a commanding 3-0 win. This match marked the 34th round of Girone C in Serie C, showcasing the contrasting fortunes of the two teams.
Catania came into the match riding a wave of momentum, having gone unbeaten in their last two months, with three wins and four draws. They were looking to extend their positive streak further against a Trapani side struggling with form, having lost their last five matches. The atmosphere was electric, with fans hopeful for a thrilling encounter.
The match kicked off at 15:00, and it didn’t take long for the Catania players to assert their dominance. The first half was characterized by a tactical battle, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Trapani, under the guidance of coach Vincenzo Torrente, aimed to leverage their home advantage, while Catania, led by interim coach Michele Napoli, looked to capitalize on their recent form.
As the first half progressed, Catania's defense, anchored by Ierardi, Del Fabro, and Celli, held firm against Trapani's attacks. The breakthrough came in the 40th minute when Armando Anastasio unleashed a stunning left-footed shot from 30 meters out following a corner kick. His strike found the back of the net, leaving Trapani’s goalkeeper Ujkaj with no chance. This goal was a testament to Anastasio’s skill and set the tone for the rest of the match.
Trapani attempted to respond, but their efforts were thwarted by Catania's solid defensive setup. The half ended with Catania leading 1-0, and the visitors were keen to build on their advantage in the second half.
As the second half began, Catania made immediate changes, bringing in De Rose and Montalto to replace Quaini and Stoppa. This tactical switch paid off quickly. Just three minutes into the second half, Lunetta doubled Catania's lead, expertly finishing a beautiful assist from Di Tacchio. The striker’s lob over Ujkaj marked his fifth goal of the season, further solidifying Catania’s control of the match.
Despite their two-goal deficit, Trapani did not back down. They pushed forward in search of a goal to reignite their hopes. However, Catania’s defense remained resolute, and Trapani’s attempts were met with frustration. Notably, Montalto squandered a golden opportunity to score, missing an open net that would have sealed the match even earlier.
As the match neared its conclusion, Catania continued to threaten on the counterattack. In the 87th minute, Frisenna, who had come on as a substitute, capitalized on a brilliant assist from De Paoli, scoring Catania’s third goal and putting the game beyond doubt. This goal not only secured the victory but also marked Frisenna’s contribution to the team’s impressive performance.
The final whistle blew, confirming Catania’s 3-0 victory, marking their fourth consecutive away win and eighth positive result overall. The win was crucial for the team as they look to solidify their playoff position.
Post-match, Lunetta was hailed as the MVP for his dynamic performance and crucial goal, showcasing his importance to the team. Catania’s players celebrated their success, while Trapani faced the harsh reality of their sixth consecutive defeat, leaving them in thirteenth place in the standings. The atmosphere among Trapani fans was tense, with growing dissatisfaction over the team's performance and management.
The match was officiated by referee Luca De Angeli, supported by assistants Veronica Martinelli and Stefano Franco, and fourth official Fabrizio Ramondino. Several players received yellow cards during the match, with Quaini, Toscano, Celli, Del Fabro, and Ierardi all booked for various infractions.
This derby was not just a game; it was a clash of contrasting fortunes, with Catania looking to build on their success while Trapani sought to reverse their troubling trend. As the season progresses, both teams will need to address their respective challenges, with Catania aiming for playoff glory and Trapani desperately seeking to regain their footing in the league.
Catania’s victory at the "Provinciale" serves as a significant boost for the team, reinforcing their confidence as they head into the final stretch of the season. With the playoffs on the horizon, the momentum gained from this match could prove crucial in their quest for promotion.
