In a thrilling Serie B encounter on April 6, 2025, Catanzaro and Bari battled to a 3-3 draw at the "Ceravolo" stadium, showcasing a match filled with intensity and dramatic moments. The game, part of the 32nd round of the Serie B championship, began at 15:00 and was crucial for both teams as they aimed to improve their standings.
Early in the match, Catanzaro set the rhythm, pressing Bari and creating opportunities. Just five minutes in, a promising attack led to a corner kick after a shot from Cassandro was deflected. The home team continued to apply pressure, but Bari responded quickly, with Lasagna attempting a header that went wide following a cross from Pereiro.
The game took a turn in the 27th minute when Bari took the lead. A costly mistake by Catanzaro's Bonini allowed Maita to capitalize, delivering a perfect pass to Lasagna, who skillfully found the back of the net with a right-footed shot, beating Pigliacelli at the near post.
Catanzaro, determined to equalize, pushed forward relentlessly. Their efforts bore fruit just before halftime when Iemmello launched a stunning long-range effort that rocketed into the top corner, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 44th minute. This goal shifted the momentum back in favor of the home side.
As the second half commenced, both teams continued to exchange blows. Catanzaro's Federico Bonini found the net in the 69th minute, giving the home side a 2-1 lead. It was a crucial moment for Catanzaro as they sought to reclaim the fifth position in the league, which had been taken by Juve Stabia a day earlier.
However, Bari was not ready to concede defeat. In the 78th minute, Costantino Favasuli equalized with a well-placed shot, making it 2-2. The tension in the stadium was palpable as both sides pushed for the winning goal.
Just when it seemed that the match would end in a stalemate, Catanzaro struck again. Giacomo Quagliata scored in the 83rd minute, putting Catanzaro ahead 3-2 and sending their fans into a frenzy. The home side's joy was short-lived, however, as Bari's A. Favilli scored in stoppage time, sealing the dramatic draw at 3-3.
This match was not just significant for the points; it was also a clash filled with personal rivalries and former connections. Catanzaro's director of sport, Ciro Polito, had previously worked at Bari, while Giuseppe Magalini, who had moved from Catanzaro to Bari, added another layer of intrigue to the fixture.
Both teams faced challenges leading up to the match. Catanzaro was missing key players due to injuries, including midfielders Pontisso and D’Alessandro, defender Antonini, and forward La Mantia. On the other hand, Bari was without midfielder Nunzio Lella. These absences made the match even more critical for both squads, as they sought to solidify their positions in the league.
As the final whistle blew, players from both teams reflected on a match that was as entertaining as it was vital. Catanzaro remains in the hunt for a playoff position, now sitting just outside the top five, while Bari, sitting in tenth, must regroup to find their footing in the league.
The draw leaves both teams with much to ponder as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. Catanzaro will look to build on their attacking momentum, while Bari will need to tighten their defense to avoid similar late-game heartbreaks in future matches.
Fans can look forward to more thrilling encounters as the Serie B season progresses, with both Catanzaro and Bari eager to make their mark and climb the league table. The rivalry between these two teams, coupled with the stakes involved, promises to deliver more excitement in the matches to come.
